PO‘IPU — The rain squall that interrupted a lot of Kaua‘i’s lifestyle Wednesday morning was a blessing in disguise if you ask Kaua‘i monk seal volunteers. A baby Hawaiian monk seal that was born at Poipu Beach Park some time
PO‘IPU — The rain squall that interrupted a lot of Kaua‘i’s lifestyle Wednesday morning was a blessing in disguise if you ask Kaua‘i monk seal volunteers.
A baby Hawaiian monk seal that was born at Poipu Beach Park some time between 7 p.m. Tuesday and 6:30 a.m. Wednesday got some needed privacy, as the squall kept beach-goers from the popular Southshore beach. And for that, the volunteers and federal officials were thankful.
Brad Ryon, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service fisheries wildlife manager, was on Kaua‘i for the birth of a monk seal at Maha‘ulepu just a few days ago, and joined up with lifeguards working at Poipu Beach Park to establish a perimeter to keep people a safe distance from the newborn pup and its mother there.
It will probably be mid-September before the pups are weaned from their mothers and strike out on their own.
Ryon and the volunteers agreed that Wednesday marked the first day of a six-week weaning period for the mother and pup at Poipu Beach Park, during which people need to heed the safety barriers as well as advice of the volunteers who are on hand to help with explanations and descriptions of the seals.
Additionally, Ryon said that he will schedule visits by his staff to assist the volunteers. “Experts will be on hand,” he assured.
“This is a great thing,” Ryon said. “It’s a good opportunity for people to see a rare event — the birth (and weaning period) of the second most endangered seal” in the world.
According to Ryon, there are about 1,200 Hawaiian monk seals in the wild, and since that number is declining the Kaua‘i births are good things.
The most endangered seal is the Mediterranean monk seal, whose numbers have dwindled to less than 500. Ryon said that the Caribbean monk seal went extinct in the 1950s, making the Mediterranean seal the most endangered.
Following the birth, Ryon and the Po‘ipu lifeguards approached the island where the pup was born after noticing a lot of activity from the pup. Their mission was to remove some of the rope and barriers that had been earlier established there to keep the seal from becoming entangled in the protective barriers.
“She’s a big one,” Ryon said of the mother. He and the volunteers agreed that it’s not the same female who gave birth at Po‘ipu in 2002. There is speculation that the female who gave birth at Po‘ipu in 2002 is the same seal who gave birth earlier this week at Maha‘ulepu.
Until more identification studies are done using materials known as “scar cards,” which track damage done to seals, they can only guess that this mother now with pup at Poipu Beach Park might be one that frequents the Kilauea Lighthouse area.
Big mothers usually lead to big babies, Ryon said, “and this mother is over 600 pounds. The baby is alert and active, and that is a good sign.” Ryon estimates the weight of the newborn to be around 35 pounds.
The birth of the pup signals a new round of discussions for Ryon, who says that the work of the volunteers comes to the forefront after the birth. “It’s a time for them to be recognized,” he said. “Without their dedication and efforts, it would be impossible for government agencies to accomplish the kind of aid and assistance they provide.”
Volunteers like Ronalee Eckberg, who is also the vice president for Kaua‘i Monk Seal Watch Program, and Denise Jones, who also serves as secretary for the monk-seal organization, were busy between the rain squalls talking to curious onlookers, sharing binoculars, and passing out brochures telling more about the endangered species.
Ryon said that working with representatives of a lot of different agencies, including the mayor’s office, Kaua‘i Police Department, Kaua‘i Fire Department’s Ocean Safety Bureau, the Poipu Beach Resort Association, and the volunteer agencies, plans will be drawn up to allow the best way to protect both people and the seals, as well as try to utilize the area in the best way possible.
And, as the sun finally pushed aside the dark rain clouds, Ryon said people are welcome to come and view the exciting event — the weaning of the newborn pup.
According to an NOAA spokesperson, both Southshore pups appear normal and healthy.
“Our first priority is to notify all the proper authorities and local business organizations and together work out a plan to monitor and protect the mothers and pups,” said Tamra Faris, NOAA Fisheries assistant regional administrator for protected resources.
“This is a critical time for the pups’ survival. The mothers and pups need to rest and begin to bond so that the pups will learn to nurse,” she said. “After conferring with local officials today (Wednesday), portions of the beach were roped off to avoid disturbance and possible abandonment of the pup by the mother.”
An onsite coordinator has been hired by NOAA Fisheries officials to work with volunteers, provide around-the-clock monitoring, and help educate the public.
“Millie Johnston from the Kauai Monk Seal Watch Program will serve as the point of contact in Kaua‘i for the next five to six weeks, or until the pups are weaned,” said Faris. “She will train volunteers, organize a monitoring schedule, and interact with local government and businesses. Volunteers will help keep an eye on the monk seals, making sure visitors don’t get too close, answer questions and provide handout information,” Faris continued.
“One of our biggest concerns is dogs and other domestic animals running loose on the beach,” Faris added. “For the safety of all, we urge the public to keep their pets on a leash far away from the monk seals. Contact with dogs and other domestic animals could expose seals to diseases they have not been exposed to previously,” she explained. “The mother seals can get quite aggressive, also,” she noted.
“We appreciate the support from local officials, the Po‘ipu hotel association (PBRA), Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources, Kauai Monk Seal Watch, the lifeguards, NOAA Sanctuaries, and many others who provided guidance and assistance the past few days to help protect this endangered species,” said Faris. “We want this to be a community effort.”
NOAA Fisheries is dedicated to protecting and preserving the nation’s living marine resources through scientific research, management, enforcement, and the conservation of marine mammals and other protected marine species and their habitat.
The NOAA is an agency of the U.S. Dept. of Commerce.
Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@pulitzer.net.
