Monk Seal Critical Habitat

Learn more about critical habitat for the Hawaiian monk seal, what it means, and why it is critical for the survival of this endemic Hawaiian species.

What is critical habitat?

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) requires the U.S. federal government to designate “critical habitat” for any species it lists under the Endangered Species Act.

Legally, “critical habitat” is defined as:



What will more critical habitat for monk seals do?


What does it NOT do?

This would not in any way limit public access to beaches or give the U.S.  federal government any new control over our beaches or add any new restrictions on fishing.

In fact, protecting this habitat for monk seals will also protect these areas for humans, too.  Subsistence fishers and monk seals benefit from the same protections — where monk seals are protected, shoreline and nearshore non-commercial fishers are also protected.  By expanding critical habitat for monk seals, we can ensure subsistence fishing grounds are not built over by hotels, highways, and industrial offshore fish farms.

Why do we need more critical habitat?



“This government finding that it will consider designating critical habitat for monk seals in the main Hawaiian Islands marks an important step toward preventing the extinction of the Hawaiian monk seal. Habitat in the main Hawaiian Islands is essential for the survival of the imperiled monk seals.” - Miyo Sakashita, Center for Biological Diversity


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