The Kauai team logged 314 seal sightings this month (298 in Feb, 256 in Jan, 267 in Dec, 251 in Nov, 199 in Oct). This included 35 individually identified seals.
New Issues
· Juvenile female seal Temp622 (bleached V22) observed with a fresh cookie cutter shark bite directly over the left eye. Seal given 3 doses of antibiotics and is healing slowly. Seal continues to forage and maintain body condition. Further antibiotics to be administered as needed and seal will be closely monitored.
· Juvenile male seal RS10 observed with line trailing from the mouth. Line snipped by hotel security, volunteer, and Olry. Line observed going down the throat. Seal captured, transported to KKO by USCG C-130 for endoscopic hook removal. Procedure successful, small-medium J hook removed from esophagus. Seal returned to Kauai for release in Kapaa. Seal re-sighted in good health many times post release.
· Adult female R371 – observed with fresh large shark bite wounds on ventrum. Wounds not serious, healing well, seal was lucky.
Updates:
· Seal activity very high this month. Typical day at Poipu Beach Park includes 3-6 seals in several SRA. Typical day at Salt Pond Beach Park includes 3-7 seals, also in several SRAs and challenging to manage.