Monday, July 9, 2018

7/9/2018 Monk Seal Dailies: (part 1)

Today's dailies are brought to you by Team Billand and Lesley. Lesley's complete update is in the dailies part two.

Team Billand arrived early at the outfall and spotted a seal foraging with one catch an Akule Yes it was RH32 Ka'ale indulging in his all you can eat buffet, he is looking good, certainly is healthy. They left after they didn't see him for a bit. They did find him hauled out on the rocks at a nearby beach. He's fat green with no lines, no hooks.

Team Billand went to check a few other beaches and on stop to a Leeward beach they found L42 Leia, and RR70 Rip.  They were thrilled to find Leia RL42 resting and she put on some weight after weaning PO5 Napua RK40. They were laying side by side peacefully.  On their last check both seals were in the water cooling off and after a short time hauled up on the rocks again staying close to each other.

On their trek to Ka'ena West they found Kalani RN14 at the 30 minute mark. As they were making their ID two men went down to see the seal half in the water and half on the rocks. One of the guys clapped his hands to get the seal to look up.  Barbara motioned for them to move but the guy said the seal was stuck. Barbara continued to wave them on, but they got even closer. She then informed them about monk seals plight and why what they did was wrong. They kept insisting the seal was stuck and wanted to help.  Finally they left and the "stuck" Kalani got some well deserved rest.

Their next stop on a west side beach where they found the BIRTHDAY GIRL Lei Ola RH48 turns 2 YEARS OLD!   Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!  She was sleeping alone on the rocks on her side. Her hook was visible and snug (wouldn't it be nice if that thing could come out).  The waves began crashing over and moving her around, but she just remained, once in a while lifting her head. She didn't care, she's a tough tita!

Last but not least is the surprise of the day!  Team Billand already returned home when they checked their phone messages, there was a seal at KoOlina Boat Ramp. When they arrived they saw a volunteer was on site. The seal had a tag 8HL and there was nothing they recognized about the critter or the number.  Barbara got on the coconut wire and began tapping her resources which led her to Tracy. Apparently this critter was tagged on Molokai on Friday with 8HL and 8HD tags. His origin is unknown at this time. He doesn't appear to be very big, but does have a lot of scrapes and marks on him.  Maybe there will be more info to come in on this critter.


Ka'ale RH32 
 RIP RR70 N1 and RL42 Leia
 Rip got a crab on his back
 RN14 Kalani
 Dude he is not stuck
 Lei Ola RH48  - Happy 2nd Birthday
New Kid in Town male 8HL/8HD

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