TGI Staff Writer A Hawaiian monk seal born at Po’ipu Beach July 22 was tagged and relocated Friday evening to a remote and undisclosed area on Kaua’i’s north shore, paving the way for reopening the popular beach to the public.
TGI Staff Writer
A Hawaiian monk seal born at Po’ipu Beach July 22 was tagged and relocated Friday evening to a remote and undisclosed area on Kaua’i’s north shore, paving the way for reopening the popular beach to the public.
Monk seals are endangered and are protected by federal laws.
Most of the beach areas have been closed to the public since Aug. 10., but will be reopened Sunday morning, a Kaua’i County official said.
Over the past two weeks, National Marine Fisheries Service biologists observed the pup spending more time in the water and less time nursing with the mother, suggesting the end of the six-week weaning period.
According to NMFS, the mother began leaving the pup alone. For the past two days, she left the area for several hours at a time.
The pup, which now weighs over 150 pounds, also shows signs of independence by not responding to her calls.
The relocation was conducted by NOAA Fisheries biologists and a contract veterinarian. The animal was put in a large cage and was transported in a truck provided by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.
A pup born at Po’ipu Beach last year and also relocated to another area appears to be thriving, according to NMFS.
The seals are relocated to prevent them from adopting the beach as their permanent habitat.
Mayor Maryanne Kusaka thanked the public for its patience while beach was closed.
“Mahalo to our residents and visitors for their patience during the closure of Poop Beach Park,” Kusaka said. “I would also like to acknowledge the monk seal volunteers, our lifeguards, and NMFS staff for their efforts to educate the general public about the reason for the closure.”
The Hawaiian monk seal population is estimated at 1,300 to 1,400. About 20 live on Kaua’i.
