Hawaii Marine Mammal Response Network

The Hilo Marine Mammal Response Network (HMMRN) is a volunteer based organization affiliated with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Division of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) / Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR). The Hilo Marine Mammal Response Network is authorized by NOAA and DAR to respond to: Hawaii Monk Seal sightings, birthing events, and deceased and stranded Marine Mammals.
The HMMRN is responsible for coordinating this events for the East side of Hawaii Island, as well as community outreach events including the semi-annual Hawaiian Monk Seal Count and the annual Hilo Ocean Day Festival. In addition, HMMRN gives educational talks to community groups around the island and visits schools to reach out to young students.
To date, the HMMRN has actively participated in three pupping events, two relocations, one tagging of the critically endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal, and numerous other responses to cetaceans and seals.

Mission Statement

Committed to the preservation and study of the endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal, and other marine mammals HMMRN supports and participates in the development of knowledge to support the conservation of all of Hawaii’s marine mammals. The mission of this organization is to respond to, educate and involve the local community in the protection and preservation of Hawaii’s marine mammals.

To achieve this mission, HMMRN will:

Respond to all injured, ill, and out-of-habitat cetaceans and any Hawaiian Monk Seal sightings.
Provide educational programs to the public through presentations, special events, training seminars, and other outreach tools.
Foster the development of scientific knowledge through collaborative investigation.
Cultivate a network of trained volunteers.

Hawaii Marine Mammal Response Network

Mission Statement

Protected

Marine Mammal Stranding and Entanglement Hotline: 1- 888-256-9840

Hilo Marine Mammal Response Network Hotline: 1-808-756-5961