noaa cultivated a network of volunteers to protect the seals while they bask or bear and nurse their young. noaa is funding considerable research on seal population dynamics and health in conjunction with the marine mammal center. from noaa, several programs and networks were formed. community programs such as piro have helped to improve community standards for the hawaiian monk seal. the program also creates networks with the native hawaiians on the island to network more people in the fight for conservation of the seals. the marine mammal response network is partnered with noaa and several other government agencies that deal with land and marine wildlife.