Marilyn viewed Rabbit Island from 11:35 to 1:35 and there were three seals on island today. When Marilyn arrived some of the folks that work at the pier told her there were three seals playing inside the harbor yesterday. I feel for Marilyn, she seems to miss this when it happens.
There were three males between 3BS and SRI.
RK24 Wawamalu/Bruno - subadult size, yellow male belly, two tags and scar on his right side about 1/3 forward of rear flippers.
A/M 1 - large adult size, all new coat on gray male belly, no visible tags. This seal's molt is now about 60%. The entire ventral side is molted and about 20% of the rear dorsal area is molted.
A/M 2 - smaller adult size, dingy gray male belly, not sure about tags because of vantage point of rear flippers.
Once again Team R&B spent the first part of their day looking for seals coming up empty. The waves on the west side are big and the water is still brown.
They received a call about two seals on shore fighting, barking in and out of the water. They were told the beach was full and people were getting to close. They hurried over, and Auntie's workers put out three signs and were keeping the tourist back.
Team R&B ID'd Kaale RH32 and Lefty RG28 grumbling with each other. They moved the signs bacck and put up some ropes. They advised people not to go into the area especially with the two males fighting could be dangerous. They educated as many people, as they could.
They called it into the hotline and was told no one was coming because of covid. Team R&B let them know that there were seals there yesterday too and no one came.
Team R&B stayed doing their best to educated folks and then saw a volunteer arriving. The volunteer told them she was removing the signs and taking the ropes down so people can have access to the beach. Team R&B explained that the two males had been fighting and they thought it was safest for the zone to stay up to keep people away. Team R&B were told they could not block the access because it was against the law. ( I know people don't like it, but if its for safety reason, what law is there?) Team R&B explained they were looking after the seals, and advising people for their safety, that they didn't want anyone to get injured. The volunteer wanted to know what organization they were with? Team R&B explained they weren't with any organization and that they have been looking after the seals for the last 15 years.
Team R&B felt their efforts were not being respected, so they left the area. That's when Auntie arrived and they explained they were leaving and the concern of illegally blocking access.
Auntie took the time to talk with the volunteer explaining why the signs were up and the dangerous situation that was playing out with the two fighting males. She also let them know she appreciated Team R&B for responding and helping out. Then the volunteer left the site.
Seems there is a need for better communication to volunteers that the community is out there helping with the seals. Some have been doing it for years and some do it when they have time.
Team R&B went on to look for more seals and finally they spotted a single seal on the rocks. After a minute they were able to ID R3CX Nalu. He seemed comfortable on the rocks, even though there were large waves. His shark bite marks were visible.
Rabbit Island
RH32 Kaale & RG28 Lefty
R3CX
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