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The distressing news about the killing of three Laysan albatrosses and the destruction of many nests at Kaena Point raises the question: What will it take to curb this kind of miscreant?
It would be a shame if blocking the natural area reserve were the official response. Oahu has few enough wilderness areas as it is, and the public should have access to the point. Perhaps this could be an application for drone technology. Increased surveillance of the area could deter this kind of person, even if his or her conscience fails to do so.
Monk seals would appreciate barbless hooks
Shoreline fishing enthusiasts are being encouraged to use barbless circle hooks and J hooks following the death of an endangered monk seal that swallowed a barbed circle hook. The seal, known by marine volunteers as Ola Loa, died last Monday night following surgery to remove the hook, which had been embedded in the back of her throat.
Each year there are seven to 12 hookings as the number of monk seals increases in the main Hawaiian Islands, underscoring the need to use alternative hooks. Ola Loa was born on Feb. 25 on the North Shore by the monk seal known as Honey Girl. Rest in peace, Ola Loa.