A Hawaiian monk seal that swallowed a fishhook was flown from Kauai to Oahu for medical treatment.

The transport of the endangered seal was handled by the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and conducted on Tuesday. 

An HC-130 Hercules airplane crew from Barbers Point transported the seal, Coast Guard officials said in a news release.

“Coast Guard members in Hawaii take great pride in our unique operational ability to help recover and maintain our nation’s marine protected species,” said Eric Roberts, marine mammal response coordinator for the 14th Coast Guard District. “The transport of this critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal showcases the multiagency efforts that are being coordinated to ensure this species is around for future generations.”

The Coast Guard said safeguarding marine mammals falls under its living marine resources mission.