Hawaii Marine Animal Response launched a training program for hospitality workers to educate visitors about protecting endangered marine life, following a recent incident where a tourist threw rocks at a monk seal on Maui.
- The Marine Stewards Program provides training materials and credentials for tourism industry staff to educate guests about marine wildlife protection.
- The initiative responds to a May incident where a visitor threw rocks at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal on a Maui beach, leading to federal charges.
- Only about 1,600 Hawaiian monk seals remain worldwide, making visitor education critical for species protection.
- Participating businesses receive co-branded materials, staff training, educational videos, and signage for their properties.
- The program aims to prevent harmful interactions by educating visitors before they reach beaches where protected animals are present.
Source: Maui Now
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