A 2-year-old endangered Hawaiian monk seal died after getting entangled in lost fishing gear.

A 2-year-old Hawaiian monk seal named Moana died after becoming entangled in a "jug rig" fishing setup, officials from NOAA and Hawaii’s DLNR confirmed. The gear, used in paddle-out or drone-out fishing, poses a serious threat to marine life when lost or snagged. Moana, found on Mānana Island, likely suffered from exhaustion or drowning after biting the hook. Authorities urge anglers to use barbless circle hooks, retrieve all gear, avoid cutting lines from shore, and report lost or entangled animals via the NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline. The endangered species, with only about 1,600 individuals left, faces ongoing threats from unsustainable fishing practices. More information is available through the FAST program.