MonkSealMania.blogspot.com: December 28, 2019 Monk Seal Dailies

Saturday, December 28, 2019

December 28, 2019 Monk Seal Dailies

Today's dailies are brought to you by Team Billand, Lesley and a brief update from me. Lesley's Ka'ena update is part two of the dailies.

I managed to get out to Waimanalo today and Makai Pier was locked up and appears it will not be accessible to the public until further notice. So I went a little way down the road and pulled over at the beach park. Although it was not windy, it was overcast. I spotted 4 seals all hauled out by the 3BS. One seal was most likely one of 2019 kids, laying directly next to it was an unidentified male. The younger smaller seal was on its belly and both seals were very sandy. In face all four seals had a bad case of shake and bake. The other two seals U/Us both were larger, subadult to adult size, but unable to determine any markers or gender. (I am still working on getting the pictures from the camera SD card to my computer). I did manage to get a couple of pics of the pier with my phone.

Team Billand was out with junior sealette Olivia when they spotted a seal on shore from afar. Grandpa and Olivia went to check and Grandma stayed with the other seals at a nearby location.
Grandpa Robert and Oliva found RW02 PvKauai resting on shore alone. There were lots of people out and about, and when Team Billand checked in again a couple hours later RW02 was gone.

Meantime Grandma was watching over RIP RR70 resting on lower rocks. RN14 Kalani was to the right way out on the rocks alone. Then Kala RH76 came in and went up to rest by RN14.

About 1 am Team Billand went over to KoOlina and found Kolohe RW22. There were LOTS of people out today and fortunately someone had placed four signs.
Team Billand spent lots of time educating people about Kolohe who was resting on shore. AND then there were those people who just didn't get it or e care and walked right over to Kolohe. Team Billand called the hotline and explained the situation.
Team Billand had to leave to take Olivia home and they could see as soon as they left people were getting close.
Normally I don't make a big deal out of this, but here is a perfect example of a location where JUST signs do not work. A person needs to be on site, to keep people educated, informed and accountable.
Honestly, I sometimes wish the seals would just lunge or show their teeth, to scare the crap out of a few folks. (okay enough ranting on my part)

Sign at Makai Pier