Thursday, January 31, 2013

1-30-2013 Aukai RL12 Incident

The following photos are the property of NOAA/NMFS and are under permit number 932-1905. A big shout out to the NOAA/PIFSC team who responded so quickly and was able to take care of RL12 Aukai..... and of course to DB for without his watchful eye who knows what would have happened.  
PLEASE !!! Note these important numbers
1) If anyone has information about this incident, please contact NOAA's enforcement hotline 800-853-1964
2) If you observe a sick or injured marine mammal please contact the NOAA Hotline for marine mammal emergencies 888-256-9840
3) If you mistakenly hook or spear a seal, please call the NOAA hotline so animal care experts can provide immediate medical care for the seal. 

 I am sure we are all grateful that the puncture from the spear did not do any serious damage and she is expected to make a full recovery. She probably was more traumatized by the team descending upon her. 

1-30-2013 DB's Dailies:Aukai&Mojo@RI, Buster&Kaiwi@LL, Makaiwi,M&M@WP, Irma@Waikiki, RL42@Yokes, T21M@MCBH, R5AY@Pounders, Noa&Pohaku@Maili Pt, 2AW@Tracks


I don't usually start out the dailies with Yesterday's News, but today it is definitely called for. By now all have probably seen some TV news, or the on line paper, and know that yesterday's Rabbit Island incident involving Aukai (L12), has been given to the general public. I can now give you the scoops.

When I arrived at Makai Pier yesterday morning, at 0848, I found Aukai with a hard to identify object on top of her head. After observing for some time I notified Tracy, at 1025 and a NOAA response was mounted. Mark went out initially and determined that Aukai had a 3 pronged spear stuck in the top of her head. Sean and Vet, Michelle went out and the 3 of them successfully removed the 3 prong. Aukai immediately headed for the water after the procedure. I saw her all day today, and she appears completely normal. Thanks to Mark ,Sean & Michelle, and Jesse and Tracy also for a super job. Mark's excellent photos are on NMFS Permit 932-1905.
Now, on to the news of the day. At 0708 I found what would prove to be Mojo (RI17) right where I'd left him yesterday, hidden behind the water front rocks of Rocky Right Beach, on Rabbit Island. He was visible only from the Makapuu Overview.

At 0915 I found Aukai tucked in next to her favorite piece of driftwood. She would later move down to cool off, and appeared completely normal. Both animals would be gone by 1530.
On my afternoon RI check at 1530 I found two males and a dog on Rabbit Island. DOCARE was notified. and they were busted upon their return to the beach near Makai Pier at 1638.

Kimo called at 0802 with the report of Buster (RV08) foraging off shore of Lanai Lookout. 

  Gayle would call at 1135 to report both Buster and Kaiwi (RK96) snoozin' together at Lanai Lookout.

Team Billand called at 0647 with the report of Makaiwi (R4DF) and M&M (R020) at #1707, White Plains.

At 0838 Ocean Safety reported an animal a 2E, Waikiki. Karen Rohter confirmed the Irma (R010) ID. Colleen advised that Irma departed at 1615. Tomorrow ????

The Billands reported RL42 at Yokes at 1041.

Dana called with the report of an animal at MCBH. Karen Bryan called at 1246 to advise that base personnel confirmed the 7GZ tag, which is T21M.

At 1238 Dana reported R5AY at Pounders, Laie.

The Billands found Noa (R6FI) and Pohaku (RO28) together at Maili Point.

At 1550 they found 2AW at Tracks.

Lesley sent photos of her La'akea (RK82) find at the elbow, Turtle Bay.

 I will never understand why people insist on being selfish and ignorant. There is good reason why Rabbit Island is off limits to people... let alone their DOGS.  TOTAL disregard for anything but themselves.
I am happy DOCARE did respond even though it was late in the day.... YEAH DOCARE!  
 Oh miss Irma.... you are looking like mighty momma! 
 Buster at Lanai Lookout 
 Kaiwi with Buster 
 okay... everyone at once.. AWWWWW we all agree Buster gets the big brother award. He is always so gentle and looks after the little weaners and juveniles.
 snuggled in

1-30-2013 Team Billand Reports on West Side

2AW @ Tracks
 MM at White Plains
 Such a sweet little face
 Maka'iwi at White Plains
 Todays' pose stiff as a board
 and now the turn around
 Noa at Maili
 Pohaku buring her head
 There she is!

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

1-30-2013 Diane & Lesley Hit the North Shore Beaches

Lesley and Diane cruised the north shore beaches finding mother and one of her daughters. They came across La'akea at Turtle Bay. As many of you already know La'akea is R5AY's daughter born in 2011.... She has been seen with RL54 her little sister.  A big thank you to Diane and Lesley for their endless commitment to hiking endless hours and reporting in on their finds.
 She's looking all grown up in this position
 and then a little munchkin here
 AND here's Momma R5AY aka Honey Girl
 She's looking better and better
 LOOK!!! you can't see her ribs no more!

1-29-2013 R5AY's Update

THANK YOU Diane for the update on R5AY. She's looking good. Still pretty green which I am happy to see she hasn't started her molt yet.... hopefully she'll put on a few pounds so she can get through her molt with some strength and little more body weight.
 there's our momma.... first real close up of her face since her release
 and at last a fuller figure!