Seal Protection Zones - Update

Aloha good people!

Based on a conference call with NOAA/NMFS the current Seal Protection Zones are being reviewed and they (noaa) are working on some new policies for how to best balance the protection and safety of the seals and have the least amount of impact on the community as well as public safety.

There are currently discussions taking place with the powers that be and hopefully there will soon be some new guidelines to follow…. However here is a list of some changes to be implemented immediately:

1) DO NOT use caution/construction tape of any kind. Anything that resembles a “crime scene needs to be removed from the zone. (even if they are little tabs on the ropes)
2) DO NOT use any metal post. If you have metal post and need replacements please contact your response coordinator immediately (Oahu Dana Jones 234-SEAL 7325 )
3) Always allow access for people to walk by either at the top or bottom of SPZ. Make sure people can walk by without getting wet or having to step into the water. Even if this means they are a little closer to the seal than we are use to.
4) Make your SPZs large enough so the seal isn’t disturbed but as small enough for least disruption and impact on the community.
5) Do not leave an SPZ with ropes up unattended; our best intentions can turn into an entanglement issue very easily. If you are leaving signs please make sure they will not get washed away from the rising tide. ALWAYS return to the site and retrieve all equipment.
6) Whenever possible have a volunteer to at a SPZ providing outreach and raising public awareness.
7) Equipment (signs, poles, rope) of the SPZ should be minimal and have a consistent appearance through out the island.This message comes from the protected resources within NOAA/NMFS. It may seem a little confusing based on our how we have been doing things for some time however they are striving to find the delicate balance between seal and public safety.
All HMSRTO volunteer will be getting an email from Dana regarding this issue.

da blog lady