Sunday, October 17, 2010

Seal Count Totals for the 8th Semi Annual Seal Count

Aloha Monk Seal Count Volunteers & Zone Leaders,

Thank you all for your help and diligence in trying to spot elusive critters during our 8th Bi-Annnual Seal Count.  We had a seal at Turtle Bay, seals at Kaena Point, Maili Point, White Plains and Rabbit Island. It was not a big seal day, but it wasn’t a total bust either for Oahu.

Many thanks to the Zone Leaders for coming through with photos and signed waivers. I’ve included some pretty good action shots with new volunteers, zones, and of course our elusive Hawaiian Monk Seals. Many thanks to the group from American Savings Bank for going to Kaena Point from the Westside and Larry Stamey, Jean Compton, Stacy Groves, & Kirsten Plath heading up the team from the Eastside, who reported 028/029 at a 50% molt. All in all the Kaena Point teams' efforts were rewarded with 4 seals.

Seal counts for the Main Hawaiian Islands as of this afternoon, October 17, 2010
Molokai - 4 (not including La'au Point)
Kauai- 12
Maui-1
Lanai-1
Oahu-12
Big Island - 1 (West -0, East-1)

On behalf of HMSRTO and NOAA, Mahalo nui loa to all the new volunteers and returning volunteers on Oahu that participated in Seal Count. It truly is inspiring to see all the numbers and know that you are making a difference in protecting this beautiful animal. Your efforts and dedication are appreciated.

Dana Jones
HMSRTO Volunteer Coordinator
New volunteer Lisa
 Zone leader Alan Renninger
 Ewa Girl
 Seals from Ka'ena Point taken by the American Savings Bank Team

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