KAILUA, Hawaii — A Hawaiian monk seal, Wailea, who was born in 2018 on Mokulua Nui, the larger islet of the two Mokulua islands (commonly known as “the Mokes”), returned to her birthplace to deliver her first pup.
On Friday, in order to protect the endangered animals, DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife suspended all Mokulua Islet Commercial Landing Permits and prohibited people from landing at the beach at Mokulua Nui.
The twin Mokulua islets, which are located off of Kailua, are state wildlife sanctuaries and Mokulua Nui is a popular destination for kayakers, according to a Department of Land and Natural Resources release.
“We are mindful and empathetic to the impact this has on kayak companies and recreators at the beginning of the busy summer tourist season,” said DOFAW Administrator David Smith in a statement. “However, having seals in very close proximity to people can create safety issues for both people and animals.”
Monk seal mothers nurse their pups for five to seven weeks before abruptly leaving. While nursing, a monk seal mom does not forage for food and instead fasts until she uses up all of her energy, which is why the mom must leave to find food after weaning. The independent pup then must survive on its own.
Staff from DOFAW, the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources, NOAA Marine Fisheries Service, and Hawaii Marine Animal Response are working together to inform people that landing anywhere on Mokulua Nui is highly discouraged and will put up signs warning that beach landings are prohibited. Other signs warning people not to approach the seals have already been put up on Mokulua Nui.
“Biologists say having kayaks coming and going from the islet will likely disturb the mother seal and her pup and thus could be considered a ‘take’ of a protected species which is prohibited by both state and federal law,” DLNR said in its news release.
The different agencies, with the assistance of volunteers, plan to record all human activities while the seals are on the islet.
So far this year, 11 monk seals have given birth on Oahu. In May, Kaiwi gave birth to a pup at Kaimana Beach. Just last week, Rocky gave birth to a monk seal at Sand Island State Recreation Park.
Unfortunately, a dog fatally attacked a newborn monk seal on Oahu’s North Shore in May. NOAA Fisheries charged two people with the unlawful take of a marine mammal, including a DLNR employee.
DLNR said the influx of monk seals giving birth on Oahu is an incredible privilege, but it’s also creating unique challenges for the state agency which is trying to protect both seals and people.
Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.