Poipu Beach closure extended

Two more weeks needed for nursing monk seal pup

State fficials yesterday extended the closure of a stretch of Kauai’s Poipu Beach two more weeks to protect a Hawaiian monk seal and her newborn pup.

After consulting with federal and Kaua’i County offficials, the Department of Land and Natural Resources announced the closure is needed until the pup has been weaned.

The mother seal, acting aggressively protective, slightly bit a snorkeler in the water fronting the popular beach park earlier this month, and last week barked and lunged at others she apparently felt were too close to her pup.

After the latest incidents, officials last week closed an area that includes the sand crescent fronting the beach park and the stretch known as Waiohai Beach.

Such steps are not unusual to protect Hawaiian monk seals, which are a federally protected endangered species. The same mother seal also gave birth at Po’ipu Beach last year, but beach closures then were not as extensive because she seemed more comfortable with the presence of humans, officials said.

Females may abandon their pups if they feel disturbed, leading to the concern of officials to keep the seals and people well apart.

Once pups are weaned, which normally takes about five to six weeks, the monk seals usually leave the area to forage for food, state officials said. The monk seal pup at Poipu was born July 22.

In recent weeks, the pup has spent more time swimming in the beach areas.

“Mother seals prefer sites like Poipu Beach because the fringing reef in front of the beach protects their pups from high surf and sharks,” said Dr. Bud Antonelis of the National Marine Fisheries Service.

While pavilions at the park remain open to the public, the beach and swimming areas are off-limits. But the Brennecke Beach shoreline to the east and the Kiahuna and Sheraton beaches to the west of the closed area remain open for swimming.