Beach Goers Advised to Avoid Beaches Where Monk Seal and Pup Reside
NOAA Fisheries, also known as the National Marine Fisheries Service, announced today that Hawaiian monk seal Kaiwi has just given birth to a pup at Kaimana Beach in Waikīkī on O‘ahu.
The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) advises beach goers to avoid Kaimana Beach as they nurse and instead enjoy one of the many other beaches across Oʻahu while NOAA and the Hawai‘i Marine Animal Response monitor and protect these endangered species over the next five to seven weeks.
If you are in an area where the seals are present, please adhere to the following for your safety and the seals’ well-being:
- Keep at least 150 feet (45 meters) of space between you and the seals, both on land and in the water
- Stay behind any fencing or signs
- Follow the instructions of officials and personnel on site
Mother seals can be very protective of their young and may bite if they feel threatened. We urge residents and visitors to stay alert and keep a respectful distance from these endangered animals and other protected marine wildlife in Hawaiʻi.
As part of the Oʻahu DMAP, HTA and its global marketing team along with the Oʻahu Visitors bureau is focusing on alerts for visitors through pre- and post-arrival communications programs that encourage respectful and supportive behavior.
To view more about how to respectfuly and responsibly view marine wildlife on Oʻahu, visit: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/pacific-islands/marine-life-viewing-guidelines/viewing-marine-wildlife-hawai
