MonkSealMania.blogspot.com: 5/25/2018 Monk Seal Dailies: (part 1 )

Friday, May 25, 2018

5/25/2018 Monk Seal Dailies: (part 1 )

Today's dailies are brought to you by Team Billand and Lesley. Lesley's complete update is part 2 of the dailies.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind any of the "posse" that might be available this weekend, that it is a holiday weekend. Which means busy beaches, fishing, snorkeling, surfing and monk seals. So if you have a few hours check out a beach or two.... I am sure it will be appreciated.

Team Billand checked the "outfall" around 6 an and spotted a seal foraging doing 4 minute dives, going across the outfall by the jetty where the fishermen were fishing. One of the fishermen got lucky caught a huge fish about 15 pounds or so. He loaded it in his cooler and came back to reset his line.

About 6:37 am Team Billand saw Ka'ale RH32 by the Jetty again, and the fisherman wasn't manning his pole. Barb went to check when the bell was ringing and spot Ka'ale (butt head) with the fish in his mouth and the line was attached. Barb and the other fishermen called for the owner to come quickly.

Ka'ale brought the fish up on the surface, Barbare could see a small hook by his lip area and the line. The fishermen pulled his line tight, Ka'ale began to roll, over and over, all the time the bell was still ringing. Ka'ale made one more swim by, looking at everyone on the jetty, and then at 6:45 he went right and they lost sight of him.

Team Billand checked the nearby beach, he he wasn't there. They left the area went to get some gas and came back. Ka'ale was now up on the rocks resting comfortably alone. Barbara could not see any line of hook, he was on his belly and appeared normal.

At 8:10 am Team Billand stopped off at KoOlina and searching the beach they came across the beautiful RO28 Pohaku. She was alone and way up on the sand. They put up a zone and placed a call into the hotline. They spent time educating folks and then they saw volunteer Kevin arriving. They updated him on who the seal was, her markers and she was called in. Just as they were going to leave they noticed Pohaku moving fast down the sand to the water. She entered the water and left the area at 9 am.
One of the kids Team Billand met was a boy named Johnny who

was very interested in this Madagascar gecko. Johnny and his little brother helped gather the signs and put them away! (thank you boys).

Team Billands next stop to a Leeward Beach where they found Lei Ola RH48. She was resting a lone on the rocks. At times her hook was visible and tags showing. She was undisturbed and no one around so they left her to check other locations.
Team Billand did recheck on Lei Ola and she was higher up on the rocks, still resting peacefully.

Team Billand went back to see if Ka'ale was still around and he was hauled up on the rocks. They spent some time just watching him to see if there were any signs of distress. There were 5 snorkelers close by and thankfully they never noticed Kaale. He is looking okay, no thrashing and no sign of a hook or line. This time looks like butt head got the fish without the hook or line.

Ka'ale RH32