COURTESY OF MIMI OLRY Seals congregate at the beach fronting the Marriott Waiohai Beach Resort and Kiahuna Plantation Resort in Poipu. Government agencies and volunteers have created a program that allows the beach to remain open for the five or six weeks between a pup's birth and weaning.

Can’t we all just get along?

Monks seals and visitors mingle safely at Poipu Beach, Kauai

POIPU BEACH, Kauai » It's a tough job trying to keep both wildlife and people happy when they mix in a small area.

If it's a newborn pup of an endangered species swimming with tourists and locals at a popular beach, then it's a real challenge.

But every year since 2001, federal, state and local officials have joined up with volunteers to keep Hawaiian monk seals and their newborn pups safe on the crowded beaches of Poipu.

The program, which has expanded every year and involves months of planning, just finished last week.

The lone adult female on the beach spent five weeks nourishing and teaching her pup to swim, then departed. The pup then was transferred to a secluded location.

While it is often a question of creating a buffer between the seals and the public, the monk seal program also provides information for beachgoers and improves public safety.

"It's a unique challenge ... and this year was extremely successful," said Chris Yates, marine mammal branch chief for the National Marine Fisheries Service. "Every pup counts when we only have 1,300 left."

While monk seals are often born on the major Hawaiian islands, as adults they usually find a more secluded area to spend their six weeks out of the water as their babies nurse and grow. On Kauai, though, mothers have picked Poipu, which fronts several hotels and is a popular snorkeling, surfing, swimming and sunning spot.

"Mother-and-pupping are happening on all the major islands," said Dr. Michelle "Mimi" Olry, a veterinarian and Kauai marine conservation coordinator. "The experiences with main-island monk seals are increasing. They are more accustomed to having people around."

So, while seal pups have not yet been born on Waikiki Beach, seal watch programs have garnered more resources and volunteers, said Jeff Walters, of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Kauai's program has become the most visible and organized, said Wendy Goo, public affairs specialist with the fisheries service.

COURTESY OF MIMI OLRY Monk seals usually prefer secluded beaches to nurse their young, but Poipu remains an inexplicable exception.

This year, though, armed with volunteers and more staff on Kauai and from the fisheries service and National Marine Sanctuary Program on Oahu, mom and pup were kept safe, and tourists and residents were able to watch an endangered species in action while still using the beach.

"For people to have experience with wildlife in a natural setting like this, it's rare. It's not like the zoo," said Olry. "Ninety-nine point nine percent of people were thrilled."

As pregnant seals were spotted, Olry said "Poipu pup pre-planning parties" were held, inviting everyone from police to hotel managers.

Daily updates on the location and activity of the mom and pup were given to the Poipu Beach Resort Association throughout the seals' five-week stay, Olry said.

And 70-plus volunteers helped maintain a fenced-in barrier for the pups, with Olry and other veterinarians on site from dawn to dark. There was security at night as well, Olry said.

"We're trying to keep the balance of (having) people use the beach and (make sure) the mom and pup don't show signs of disturbance," Olry said. "Species are sensitive. They are indicative of the health of the environment."

Added Goo, "It's a benefit for the tourist and the local people. They understand not only what we do, but why it's important."