Michael Pitts / Hawaiian monk seal caught in fishing tackle off Kure Atoll, Pacific Ocean. The seal was subsequently freed and released by the photographer.

Kevin Schafer / Hawaiian Monk Seal (Monachus schauinslandi) male on beach, Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

Doug Perrine / Female Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) defending her pup from two males, which are aggressive with each other, Molokai Island, Hawaii, USA.

Doug Perrine / Female Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) fighting with a male trying to mate with her, Molokai Island, Hawaii, USA.

Doug Perrine / Hawaiian monk seals (Monachus schauinslandi) aggressive male attacks a five and a half week pup, mother (right) approaches to intervene; Papaloa Beach, Kalaupapa, Molokai, Hawaii, USA

Aflo / ic-09002 Hawaiian monk seal swimming underwater {Mirounga angustirostris} Hawaii

Michael Pitts / Hawaiian monk seal {Monachus schauinslandi} Pacific

Flip Nicklin / Hawaiian Monk Seal (Monachus schauinslandi) pair playing, Hawaii

Mitsuaki Iwago / Hawaiian Monk Seal (Monachus schauinslandi) portrait, Hawaii

Michael Pitts / Hawaiian monk seal pair courting off Midway Atoll,Pacific Ocean

David Fleetham / Hawaiian monk seals (Neomonachus schauinslandi) resting at water's edge. Kepuhi Beach, Kaluakoi, West End, Molokai, Hawaii.

David Fleetham / Tourists taking pictures of Hawaiian monk seals (Monachus schauinslandi) hauled out on roadside, Maui, Hawaii.