JANUARY  2002
 
As we begin 2002, a look back at 2001 saw three Hawaiian Monk Seal pups born on Kauai. All were males, and two of the three are known to have survived. Unfortunately, a pup born at Larsen’s Beach last June was found dead on January l7. Due to decomposition, necropsy results provided no conclusive cause of death.
 
In the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, the 2001 pupping season produced a total of l77 pups at the main reproductive sites. Of these, l4l survived to weaning, 25 died before weaning, and 11 were still nursing at the end of the field season.
The breakdown is as follows:

An elephant seal, presumably from California, was sighted on the Big Island at Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor on January 11, and again at a Kona resort on January l6. It was captured on January l7 and flown to California the following day. It is reported to be doing well at the Marine Mammal Center where it is undergoing observation. Just after it had made it to warmer waters, it was returned to California’s colder coast!
 
 
As all my regular readers know, we have had an Hawaiian Monk Seal birth at Poipu Beach Park each of the past two summers. Federal government participation differed from 2000 to 200l. Many members of KMSWP , representatives of local tourism, and community residents were critical of the handling of the July 200l event. Unlike the 2000 birth, where one monk seal expert worked closely with volunteers and community leaders, this past summer’s watch seemed to be more coordinated by federal staff in Honolulu --- meaning less input from those having local knowledge of the animals and the area.
 
The closure of both beaches at Poipu Beach Park was necessary when finally ordered, but was deemed avoidable by many, had authorities fenced off one beach area for the mother and pup soon after the birth. As a result, some KMSWP members are currently working with local officials to improve coordination of future births. Over the next few months, we hope to develop a consistent protocol with federal officials (NMFS) that satisfies both the animals’ welfare and community needs.

We have seen many repeat visitors to Poipu Beach since the first birth in 2000. Their concern for and interest in the seals over the past two years is gratifying. Our public education efforts, as well as our local schools’ program, seem to be paying off as knowledge and interest grow. While on-site observation and protection of the animals at the beach remain the immediate priorities, long term efforts to educate are the key to our success. 
 
In a similar vein, we are witnessing a continuously evolving communication network locally. We are generally able to monitor calls more quickly and report needs to a particular person in a specific area – i.e. when roping for a protective space needs to be erected.
 
Mahalo to Stephanie and Bob Butler for their kind contribution of a visitors’ rack card, illuminating monk seal facts and behavior. It will be distributed at various locations providing tourist information. Volunteers sometimes pass it along to visitors observing seals at the beach.

Mahalo Nui Loa, Barbara

Barbara Frazier
Kaua`i Monk Seal Watch Program Volunteer Coordinator and Liaison

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