PO'IPU, Kaua'i — A 9-day-old Hawaiian monk seal pup born on a Po'ipu beach has begun swimming, and wildlife officials are making preparations for when mother and infant begin moving up and down the beaches — meaning that fences and public education programs need to move with them.

Meanwhile, observers report there may be two pregnant seals frequenting nearby beaches, so it's possible the south Kaua'i shore could have as many as three sections of beach roped off to protect the endangered marine mammals.

Mimi Olry, Kaua'i marine mammal coordinator, said one pregnant seal spotted near the Hyatt Regency Kaua'i appeared to have a hook in the left side of its mouth. She said she doesn't think the hook is seriously affecting the animal's ability to feed, and that it is unlikely biologists would attempt to remove it when the seal is about to give birth.

Another seal — also pregnant but without a hook — was seen nearby this week, according to Olry. It's possible it was the same seal and had lost the hook, or that it's a different animal, she said. The animals were so covered in sand after hauling up on the beach that it was difficult to identify them, she said.

Trained volunteers keep a 24-hour watch on mother-and-pup pairs to protect them from stray dogs and other threats, and to safeguard beachgoers from protective mother seals, which can become belligerent.

Bruce Parsil, who works with the volunteers, said that several dozen people have been trained to watch over the seals, but that a double or triple pupping situation could make it difficult to handle the task. He said that seal-watch crews could resort to providing training programs on the beach.

Volunteers are trained in crowd control, seal biology and educating the public about the protected mammals.

The mother seal, who gave birth Aug. 30 on the beach in front of the Kiahuna Plantation, also pupped last year, but several miles down the coast at Maha'ulepu.

Seals in the main Hawaiian Islands generally give birth from February to September. The first seal birth of the season on Kaua'i occurred earlier this summer near Larsen's Beach on the northeast side of the island. That pup, whose mother left it in late July, continues to do well, Olry said.

Reach Jan TenBruggencate at jant@honoluluadvertiser.com.