Two Hawaiian monk seals were resting on Poipu Beach yesterday morning as onlookers snapped pictures and silently observed the endangered mammals. Two NOAA Hawaiian Monk Seal Conservation Hui volunteers multitasked by observing the seals, answering questions and keeping the curious
Two Hawaiian monk seals were resting on Poipu Beach yesterday morning as onlookers snapped pictures and silently observed the endangered mammals. Two NOAA Hawaiian Monk Seal Conservation Hui volunteers multitasked by observing the seals, answering questions and keeping the curious from getting too close.
“Is he shedding like a dog?” one beachgoer asked.
“No, he is molting,” volunteer Bruce Parsil said. “It is about a two week process where the seal will stay on the beach or sleep in the brush beyond the beach.”
Parsil spent yesterday morning setting up barricades with Dr. Mimi Olry, marine conservation coordinator, around the relaxing seals, which marked the beginning of the monk seal census. Coordinated by the NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Islands Regional Office, the census has been taking place statewide every six months.
“Six months ago we had pretty disappointing numbers,” Parsil said. “But it is hard to tell the actual numbers because the seals don’t come in every day.”
The Hawaiian monk seals are the most endangered seal species in the United States. An increasing number of seals live in the main Hawaiian islands with about 180 monk seal pups born annually. The seals will feed at night, then “haul out” and rest on sandy beaches to let their food digest during the day, making this the best time to count the seals.
According to Parsil, there are about 1,150 monk seals left in the world. On Kaua‘i, there are usually 25 to 30 seals at any given time. Yesterday volunteers were placed around the island for an official count that took place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Results won’t be known for a few weeks, but the seal census will help monitor habitat sites and assess population size.
Along with assisting at Poipu Beach, volunteer Dave Leopold monitored a section of beach near the Sheraton. Along the way he checked for seals in tide pools.
“I’ll just take it slow on the way back in case some come in,” Leopold said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw 10 seals today. The seals spend about two-thirds of the time in the water, so if we do see 10 seals, then it is likely that there are about 30 seals around Kaua‘i.”
Parsil explained that they try to always have someone around to watch the seals and answer questions, but it has been hard lately due to small volunteer numbers and that most of the volunteers have been monitoring the new monk seal pup born at Maha‘ulepu Beach on Oct. 10.
As Parsil explained the lack of volunteer numbers, the molting seal heaved itself up and eased into the ocean. Parsil took out a binder and methodically recorded the time and the action of the seal.
“Usually they don’t swim much when molting,” Parsil said. “He is probably just cooling off.”
The seal headed toward the keiki pond and Parsil grabbed his binoculars and moved down the beach to monitor the seal’s movement. The seal later took up residence near the rocks by the keiki pond and Parsil set up the barricades.
“I think the seals at Po‘ipu Beach like the people,” Leopold said. “They have learned that they are safe behind the barriers. We see the same seals here all the time.”
If a seal is encountered, limit viewing time to 30 minutes, avoid sudden movements and do not attempt to swim with, feed or touch the animal. Federal law requires people to stay at least 100 feet away from the seals.
• Rachel Gehrlein, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 225) or rgehrlein@kauaipubco.com.
