Hawaiian monk seals are among the most endangered marine mammals and the most basal of the phocid seals. The auditory biology of monk seals is compelling from behavioral, evolutionary, and conservation perspectives, but we presently lack substantive bioacoustic information for this species, with no formal descriptions of underwater vocalizations and limited data concerning hearing. These seals have been isolated for more than 10 million yr and have auditory structures differing from those of related species. Additionally, unlike other aquatically mating phocids, monk seals breed asynchronously and are not known to produce social calls in water. To address existing knowledge gaps, we trained a mature male Hawaiian monk seal to perform a psychophysical task while submerged. Detection thresholds were measured for narrowband sounds across the frequency range of hearing. We also conducted a year-round characterization of the seal’s spontaneous underwater vocalizations. This individual demonstrated best hearing between 0.2 and 33 kHz, with a lower high-frequency roll-off than that of related species. Hearing at all frequencies was less sensitive than in other true seals. Despite the absence of conspecifics, the seal regularly produced 6 different underwater calls with energy below 1 kHz. Calling patterns reflected a period of annual reproductive activity lasting about 6 mo, coincident with elevated testosterone levels. This study presents the first examination of underwater vocalizations in Hawaiian monk seals, provides insight into the auditory abilities of this species and the evolution of underwater hearing among phocids, and enables improved assessments of noise effects on these vulnerable seals.

The endangered Hawaiian monk seal is a primitive phocid (true) seal endemic to the tropical Hawaiian Islands. At present, there is a lack of substantive bioacoustic information available for this species, with no formal descriptions of underwater vocalizations and limited data concerning underwater hearing. To address these knowledge gaps, we are working to better understand species-typical auditory capabilities and sound production by thoroughly evaluating a single individual living in human care. A mature male monk seal was trained to perform an auditory go/no-go signal detection task in water. Detection thresholds were measured for narrowband tones across the frequency range of hearing to generate a full underwater audiogram. Additionally, an acoustic recorder was placed in this monk seal’s living enclosure for a full year, enabling characterization of his underwater repertoire and seasonal trends in vocal behavior. This study presents the first examination of underwater vocalizations in Hawaiian monk seals, provides insight into the perceptual abilities of this species and the evolution of underwater hearing within the phocid lineage, and enables improved assessments of noise effects on these vulnerable seals. [Work supported by Navy’s Living Marine Resources Program.]