Updated at 3:55 p.m., Thursday, February 1, 2007
Monk seal comes ashore in Waikiki
Advertiser Staff
A female Hawaiian monk seal came ashore Wednesday at 12:20 p.m. near the lifeguard stand at Kaimana Beach in Waikiki.David Schofield, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration's marine mammal response specialist, said the seal, identified by her H59 flipper tag, is 6 years old and was born on Kaua'i.
She gave birth last year at Larsen's Beach on Kaua'i's north shore and Schofield says since 2003, H59 has spent most of her time in waters between Kalaeloa and Hanauma Bay.
H59 frequently comes ashore to rest on the southeast side of O'ahu, said Schofield, who posted signs Thursday on the beach informing onlookers that Hawaiian monk seals are an endangered species and advising them to keep their distance.
