HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Wildlife officials are reminding the public to keep their distance from a Hawaiian monk seal and her pup as they remain along Oahu’s south shore.
Fencing and signage have lined the area of Kaimana Beach since early May, when Kaiwi gave birth to her seventh pup — her fourth on that stretch of beach.
Officials said so far, the two have kept to the area, but that could soon change.
“The pup’s nursing a lot; mom’s staying very close to the pup,” Hawaii Marine Animal Response president and founder Jon Gelman said. “Now that we’re entering week three, this is the time when we expect the mother and the pup to get more active, so they’re going to start moving around more.
“They’re going to leave Kaimana Beach. They’re going to swim towards Queen’s Beach. They’re going to swim towards Outrigger Canoe Club, maybe Elk’s Club,” Gelman added.
Officials say this stage of life is crucial for both mom and pup, making more important than usual for beachgoers to keep their distance.
Guidelines include staying at least 150 feet away, keeping dogs leashed and away from seals, and avoiding swimming in their vicinity.
Officials recommend following all posted signs and staying behind roped off barriers.
“The mother can be very defensive and mother seals have attacked swimmers before, if they feel they need to defend the pup,” Gelman said. “So our advice is: swim at another beach. Choose another beach to do ocean recreation.
“Give these animals space, give them respect,” Gelman said.
The Hawaii Marine Animal Response team is working with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources to ensure no harm comes to the seals, or humans.
“We have people stationed at the beach all the time during daylight hours, so we’re watching where the mother and the pup go and we’re following them,” said Gelman.
Officials expect the two to remain together for five to seven weeks.
To report a monk seal sighting, call the NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline at (888) 256-9840.
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