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Posted: Tuesday, May 15th, 2012 7:03 AM HST

State to get $128,000 to protect monk seals and sea turtles

By 67AM KPUA News

Hawaii's congressional delegation has announced that Hawaii will get more than $128,000 to help protect and preserve Hawaiian monk seals, green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles. U.S. Senators Daniel Inouye and Daniel Akaka said in a statement that the animals are among the state's most treasured native species and that the recent killing of four monk seals highlights the need for education and outreach. According to the senators, the money will come from a grant administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The project will establish the state's first Marine Protected Species program for the long-term conservation and management of monk seal and sea turtles. The project will enhance efforts to reduce and document human disturbance of the animals caused by growing numbers of beachgoers and recreational fishers.