Posted on: Wednesday, July 7, 2004

Monk seal on mend swims out to sea after release on Kaua'i

By Carrie Ching
Advertiser Staff Writer

A Hawaiian monk seal that had surgery three weeks ago to remove a swallowed fishhook swam back into the wild at Salt Pond Beach Park on Kaua'i yesterday.

The seal, known by his flipper tag number TT40, was released from his cage at 10:30 a.m. by veterinarians and officials from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Marine Fisheries Service.

"He was very casual about it," said Brad Ryon, a NOAA Fisheries marine biologist. "He swam around for few minutes near the beach, real calm and comfortable, then headed out to sea and hasn't been seen since. It was like he swam off into the sunset — except that it was the middle of the day."

The Coast Guard flew the 500-pound male seal, veterinarians and NOAA Fisheries officials to Kaua'i early yesterday for his release. NOAA Fisheries officials decided to release the seal after the holiday weekend to keep him safe from expected beach activity, Ryon said.

TT40 was first reported near Kapa'a, Kaua'i, June 4 with fishing line trailing from his mouth. He was captured by NOAA officials and volunteers June 10 when he came in at Waimea. The Coast Guard airlifted the seal the next day to O'ahu, where veterinarians performed a 5›-hour surgery to remove a circle fishhook from his esophagus. After his surgery on June 16, he recovered in a saltwater pool at the NOAA Fisheries' Kewalo Research Facility.

Ryon said the seal was in good health yesterday: His 12-inch incision was healing nicely and he had no internal infections. Days before his release he was eating up to 10 pounds of fish a day.

NOAA veterinarian Bob Braun had tagged TT40 in February with a satellite transmitter that allowed officials to track the seal for a health study of Hawaiian monk seals. Braun said earlier this year TT40 was tracked for 54 days in a row hanging out at Port Allen watching families barbecue.

"It is normal for monk seals to spend prolonged periods on the beach," said Ryon. But he advised onlookers to stay at least 150 feet away from wild monk seals. Those who want a closer look can "go to the Waikiki Aquarium," he said.

Endangered Hawaiian monks seals are protected by state and federal laws; it is illegal to disturb, harass, harm or feed monk seals in the wild.

NOAA Fisheries officials plan to follow TT40's movements closely over the next few weeks using the satellite transmitter on his back. The public can also follow TT40's progress and track the seal's movements online at www.pifsc.noaa.gov/pifsc_hot.html.

Reach Carrie Ching at cching@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8054.