DLNR Establishes 50-Yard Monk Seal Cordon on Oʻahu

The DLNR Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement (DOCARE) is enforcing a 50-yard cordon around Hawaiian monk seal “Rocky” and her pup at Kaimana Beach on Oʻahu.  The intention of the operation is to protect the safety of both the public and monk seals.  DOCARE officers are also maintaining an around-the-clock presence for extra protection.
Hawaiian monk seal “Rocky” and her pup have been at Kaimana Beach for more than three weeks.  During that time, there have been calls for beach closures, citations, and stepped-up outreach, education, and enforcement.  Nursing monk seals moms are highly protective of their pups and the potential for someone getting hurt or the seals being disturbed is high on crowded beaches.
Representatives  from DOCARE, the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR); NOAA Fisheries; and the City and County of Honolulu’s (C&C) Ocean Safety Division and Dept. of Parks and Recreation have been in close contact after numerous people have gotten too close to the wild mammals; including one swimmer who was bitten by the protective mother seal on July 24. The 60-year-old woman received minor injuries in the encounter.
DOCARE is in the process of establishing coverage schedules for both land-based officers and officers on jet skis to establish the 150-foot cordon in the water when the seals are out swimming. They’ll be working closely with the HMAR volunteers to ensure that whenever the cordon is adjusted on the beach or in the water, people stay outside it.
“Awareness and safe behavior is of critical importance,” said DOCARE Chief Jason Redulla in a press release. “Would you think twice about standing next to a grizzly bear in Yellowstone? Why does anyone think it’s okay to be near a more than 400-pound animal, that in the water can reach you in seconds?”
It is expected that both Rocky and her pup will move on to another area after weaning and encounters will be much less of a concern.
 
DLNR Photo