NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE

Transcription

1 NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE Prepared by Sarah Allen 1995

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Introduction...1 II. Background...3 Site Description Historical Perspective Colonization of Point Reyes Previous Management Plans III. Natural History and Population Biology...8 Description Abundance and Distribution Annual Cycle Breeding Molt Juvenile Haul Out Reproductive Success Terrestrial Habitats Marine Habitats Feeding Mortality IV. Management Issues...14 Management Zoning Safety Colony site selection Conflicts with Threatened and Endangered Species Disturbance Dogs Disease Grazing V. Recommended Management Program...18 Enforcement and Safety Interpretation Monitoring Stranded Live and Dead Specimens Public Use Area Closures Internal Controls Public Information Mitigation for Threatened and Endangered Species Coordination Annual Reporting VI. Acknowledgments VII. References VIII. Figures IX. Tables X. Appendices

3 INTRODUCTION In this century, northern elephant seals, Mirounga angustirostris, were documented only incidentally within the boundaries of the Point Reyes National Seashore; however, in 1982 a colony formed at Point Reyes Headland. The colony has grown at a rapid pace since then due to emigration from other colonies and to a high reproductive success (Allen et al. 1989). With an expectation of continued growth and likely expansion to new sites in Point Reyes, a comprehensive management plan was recommended by the Superintendent. Consistent with National Park Service policies, the Seashore has initiated development of a comprehensive elephant seal management program to preserve and protect seals which occur within Seashore boundaries. Law and Policy The Point Reyes National Seashore (Seashore) was authorized by Congress as a unit of the National Park Service in the Act of September 1962 (Public Law ), and was officially established in October 1972 (P.L ) when sufficient land had been acquired to carry out the purposes of the Act. The statement of purpose for the park in this law calls for the preservation and protection of the diminishing seashore of the United States for "public recreation, benefit and inspiration." The Wilderness Act of 1976 (P.L ) established 25,370 acres of wilderness and 8,003 acres of potential wilderness in the Point Reyes National Seashore, thereby adding special protection. Today, nearly half of the Seashore is included in the National Wilderness Preservation System. The Wilderness Act also amended the Seashore enabling legislation (P.L ) to include: "...without impairment of natural values, in a manner which provides for such recreational, educational, historic preservation, interpretation, and scientific research opportunities as are consistent with, based upon, and supportive of the maximum protection, restoration, and preservation of the natural environment within the area." A primary objective of resource management stated in the General Management Plan of the Seashore (1980) is "to protect marine mammals...and other sensitive resources found within the Seashore." The revised Statement of Management (1993) specified several natural resources management objectives including, but not limited to: "To identify, protect and perpetuate the diversity of existing ecosystems which are found at Point Reyes National Seashore and are representative of the California seacoast. "To enhance knowledge and expertise of ecosystem management through research and experimentation programs relating to wildlife,...regulation and

4 control of resource use, and pollution control. "To preserve and manage as wilderness those lands so designated...and lands legislatively designated as potential wilderness." Other NPS management policies which are applicable include: "Native animal life in the National Park System shall be given protection against harvest, removal, destruction, harassment or harm through human action..." "Opportunities should be provided for visitors to view park wildlife... Overlooks adjacent to park roads, wildlife, special tours, improved information techniques and special publications are encouraged. Activities which harass wildlife and misuse wildlife habitat are not permitted." The enabling legislation of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area also established an Advisory Commission to serve other units of NPS in the San Francisco Bay region, including Point Reyes National Seashore. "The purpose of the commission is to advise on general policies and specific matters related to planning, administration and development." The commission offers a public forum for proposed actions. Management recommendations for elephant seal protection will require review by the commission before implementation. The Endangered Species Act (ESA; P.L ) mandates the protection of all threatened, endangered, or candidate species as well as their critical habitats within park boundaries. The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (MMPA; P.L as amended by P.L , , , and 97-58) and reauthorized on April 30, 1994 (P.L ) supplements ESA, providing special protection for all marine mammals of the Seashore. MMPA states that it is unlawful to "harass, hunt, capture or kill, or attempt to harass, hunt, capture or kill". The law places much emphasis on protecting species and population stocks in danger of extinction or depletion above a level (to be determined) at which they cease to be a significant functioning element of the ecosystem. Particular emphasis was placed on protecting rookeries, mating grounds and areas of similar significance. In 1994, the National Marine Fisheries Service proposed guidelines on distances of approach to marine mammals so that their behavior would not be altered (Fed. Reg. vol. 57:149, pp ); however, these regulations and guidelines were never finalized. As noted in the 1993 Statement for Management, the enabling legislation "affects seashore management in the ocean shore areas by: 1) requiring personnel and funding to monitor populations and activities within the Seashore; 2) generating meetings and discussions and action plan coordination between different agencies and organizations; 3) suggesting the inclusion of information in interpretive programs and handouts; and 4)

5 requiring the fabrication and installation of regulatory and informational signs." NPS policies, along with various agreements between Federal and State agencies provide supplemental protection and requirements to ensure the objectives of ESA and MMPA. Due to the highly variable nature of elephant seal biology and behavior, habitat variability and fiscal resources, changes in the management of elephant seals at the Seashore will likely become necessary over time. This plan will be reviewed and updated on a regular basis to reflect changing circumstances, incorporate new information, and address unforeseen exigencies. Objectives The primary objectives of the elephant seal management plan are to: 1. Provide background information useful in managing elephant seals and interactions between elephant seals and the visiting public. 2. Provide recommendations and alternatives that will ensure the least interference with respect to elephant seal colonization, and at the same time, provide visitors with a unique experience. 3. Provide for protection of elephant seals. 4. Provide for protection of other Seashore resources, particularly rare species. 5. Insure public safety. BACKGROUND Site Description The Point Reyes National Seashore is situated north of San Francisco Bay in Marin County, California (Figure 1). It includes 45 miles of coastline and 71,046 acres. Marine boundaries are shared with the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and Tomales Bay State Park. In 1988, UNESCO Man in the Biosphere program designated the Central California Coast Biosphere Reserve (CCCBR) under the Internal Biosphere Program; CCCBR includes the entire Seashore, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and other public lands in the region. The state of California designated three "Areas of Special Biological Significance" within the Seashore; Tomales Point, Point Reyes Headlands, and Double Point. The coastal topography of the Seashore is diverse and complex, including long stretches

6 of sandy beaches, offshore islands, rocky intertidal areas, steep cliff-backed pocket beaches, and bays and estuaries. Significant and extensive sandy beaches include RCA Beach, Drakes Beach, the sandspit of Limantour Estero and Point Reyes Beach. Point Reyes Headlands encompasses a series of pocket beaches, as does the shoreline extending from Palomarin to Bear Valley. The year-round ambient temperatures are moderate, around 55 o C; the difference in monthly temperatures is only around 6.5 o C. The Mediterranean climate produces heavy summer fog and moderate winter rains (average of 30 in/year at the Lighthouse). In the winter, strong arctic and sub-tropical storms strike the Peninsula with significant force, producing high seas and strong winds. Storm winds have been clocked up to 140 mph at the Lighthouse on Point Reyes Headlands. During the spring, strong northwesterly winds initiate upwelling in the coastal area. The coastal waters of the Seashore are also hydrographically complex. The Seashore waters are part of the eastern boundary upwelling ecosystem noted for its abundance and richness in marine life (Mann and Lazier 1991). The upwelling zone is one of only five eastern boundary currents in the world. Upwelling zones are highly productive and support major marine populations. Upwelling plumes project miles offshore from Point Reyes Headland, one of only a couple prominent terrestrial headlands in the region. Point Reyes Headland is the closest point of land to the Farallon Islands (18 m southwest) and prominently extends into the Gulf of the Farallones, in the path of any wandering marine animal. Historical Perspective Scammon recorded that northern elephant seals, Mirounga angustirostris, were distributed from Cabo San Lazaro, Baja, Mexico, to Point Reyes, California, prior to exploitation by European hunters. Seals nearly became extinct in the last century when commercial sealers hunted them for the oil that could be produced from their blubber. The species was generally considered extinct in the later 1800's until scientists from the Smithsonian discovered a small colony on the remote island of Isle Guadalupe off Baja (Townsend 1912). Only around 20 animals were counted onshore by scientists between 1884 and 1892; although numbers were likely much higher since these seals spend a majority of their annual cycle at sea. With protection provided first by the Mexican government on Isla Guadalupe and later by the United States on the Channel Islands, California, the population recovered at an astounding level with estimated annual growth rates of 6-8% (Cooper and Stewart 1983, Stewart et al. 1994). As the colony grew and became crowded at Isla Guadalupe, seals began colonizing new sites, expanding northward. Pups were first seen on San Miguel Island in 1957 which presently supports an estimated 25,000 elephant seals during the breeding season. California island breeding colonies slowly expanded to San Nicolas Island in 1958, Año Nuevo Island in 1961, South Farallon Islands in 1972, San Clemente

7 in 1977, and Santa Rosa in 1985 (Antonnelis et al. 1980, Le Boeuf et al. 1974, Radford et al. 1965, and Stewart and Yochem 1986). Whether northern elephant seals historically bred on the mainland rather than islands is not known; presumably large predators, such as grizzly bears and native peoples, would have discouraged them. Nevertheless, Scammon (1874) reported their presence at Point Reyes in the nineteenth century. The first pup born on the mainland in this century was at Año Nuevo in 1975 (Le Boeuf and Panken 1977). Since that birth other California mainland sites have been established at Cape San Martin, Piedras Blancas, Point Saint George and Point Reyes Headland (Stewart et al. 1994). Seals have also been observed resting onshore in Oregon and British Columbia, and a couple pups were documented at Cape Arguelo, Oregon, in the past few years. Point Reyes Headland is currently considered the northern-most breeding colony. Because the species was severely depleted and brought to near extinction, some scientists suggest that they may lack genetic elasticity because they passed through a genetic bottle neck (Bonnell and Selander 1974). Electrophoretic studies indicated that elephant seals show no genetic heterozygosity, and thus, seals have fewer genetic options to compensate for changes in their environment (Le Boeuf 1977, Lim et al. 1995). Nevertheless, there is little evidence to date that the species is presently biologically limited, particularly since they have been successfully reproducing at an exponential rate over the past several decades (Lehman et al. 1993). Colonization of Point Reyes by Northern Elephant Seals The earliest reference to incidental sightings of northern elephant seals at Point Reyes in this century is from a Pacific coast seashore survey, preliminary report on the Point Reyes Peninsula (1957). Colonization of Point Reyes by northern elephant seals, though, began in the early 1970's when individual animals were sighted with increasing frequency (Allen et al. 1989, PRNS unpubl. records). Lone pups were reported occasionally (n<5) at Point Reyes and Drakes Beaches, presumably abandoned by a disturbed female or floated in from the nearby Farallon Islands. Then in 1981, a colony formed at Point Reyes Headlands when a newborn pup was identified with a female and attended by an adult male (Figure 2). The colony was situated in an inaccessible pocket beach at the base of a steep cliff. Until 1984, no pups survived to weaning due to exposure to severe storms. Since that time, the success rate has been high and the colony has grown exponentially (Figure 3, Table 1). The elephant seal colony at Point Reyes Headlands has been monitored annually by personnel of the Seashore and biologists from the Point Reyes Bird Observatory (PRBO) since 1981 (Allen et al. 1989). Most monitoring efforts have occurred during the breeding season (December-March) but surveys have been conducted during the fall juvenile peak and the molt (April-July). As the colony grew, survey frequency intensified.

8 In 1988, under a permit with the National Marine Fisheries Service issued to PRBO, biologists began flipper-tagging elephant seals during the breeding season. To date, over 500 pups that were born at Point Reyes Headland have been flipper-tagged and around 50 adults. In recent years, biologists and students from U.S. Santa Cruz have conducted intensive surveys during the breeding season and analyzed data collected from the inception of the colony (Ptak 1993, Adams 1994). Other locations where seals have been regularly seen on the Point Reyes Peninsula during the breeding season include Point Reyes, Limantour and Drakes Beaches, all of which have potential as rookery sites. Each of these beaches is expansive and each has sections where little visitor use occurs and the potential for disturbance is low. Since 1986, large subadult male seals have regularly been observed and heard trumpeting on Point Reyes Beach between the South Beach parking lot and the Headlands, and in , several subadult males gathered at a beach near the Fish Dock. During the winter of , severe storms pummeled the pocket beach where the colony congregates at Point Reyes Headland and a large amount of sand was washed out. Many pregnant females were unable to find space for birthing in the midst of these storms and a few selected alternative sites at Point Reyes and the Fish Dock beaches where there was relatively tranquil waters and ample space (Figure 2). These two sites will likely become permanent rookeries if seals are allowed to haul out undisturbed in the next couple of years. Previous Management Plan The Seashore prepared a marine mammal management plan in 1980, prior to colonization by elephant seals at Point Reyes Headlands; however, the report did outline some important general guidelines for the management of elephant seals (PRNS 1980). The plan recommended that the Seashore monitor the colonization process, and cease removal of individual animals so that colonization was not inadvertently inhibited. Individual seals that beached in public areas to molt or rest were to be given special protection from the visiting public so that they were not frightened into the water or harassed.

9 NATURAL HISTORY AND POPULATION BIOLOGY Description Elephant seals of the genus Mirounga are the largest in size of all living pinnipeds of the world and display marked sexual dimorphism. The term Mirounga is derived from an Australian aboriginal name for the seals (King 1983) and represents two species in the genus, the northern (Mirounga angustirostris) and southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina). The name "elephant seal" derives from the large inflatable proboscis of the male. The thick layer of subcutaneous fat is a major part of their body weight and they rely on this fat for insulation and fasting when onshore for long periods (Ridgeway and Harrison 1981). Northern elephant seals are slightly smaller than their southern cousin, with males weighing up to 2300 kg and females kg (Le Bouef and Laws 1994, Stewart and Huber 1993). Males tend to be around cm in length and females cm. Elephant seals are uniform in color ranging from a silver gray just following the molt to light brown or buff. Adult bull males physically mature at 9 years but are sexually mature at 4-6. As males mature, their secondary sexual characteristics become more pronounced; large proboscis (3.5 times the length of the head), cornified skin that forms an impervious chest shield and large canines. Females lack these features and are much smaller in size and more delicate. Females are sexually mature as early as age 2, although the average age is 4. The lifespan of elephant seals is poorly studied but the oldest known-age female at Point Reyes Headlands was 21 years. Abundance and Distribution From a low count of only a few hundred animals in the 19th century, the worldwide population has grown to 13,000 in 1957, 48,000 in 1976, and 125,000 in 1992 (Stewart et al. 1992). The population is reportedly doubling every five years, displaying a continuous growth rate of 8.3% per year (Cooper and Stewart 1983). Barlow et al. (1995) uses a slightly more conservative estimate based on a multiplier of 3.5., which would yield a population estimate in 1991 of around 75,000 in the United States, excluding Mexico. At Point Reyes Headlands, the estimated number of elephant seals present during the breeding season and the molt was around in The current world breeding distribution of northern elephant seals extends from Isla Guadalupe, Mexico, to Point Reyes National Seashore and consists of 10 known colonies; however, with population expansion, new areas are being colonized at a rapid rate. During the non-breeding season, elephant seals range as far west as 173 o W Longitude, beyond the Hawaiian Islands, and north to the Bering Sea and eastern Aleutians. Annual Cycle The annual pattern of shore occupation by elephant seals shows pronounced seasonal variations in regard to total numbers and the proportions of various age and sex

10 categories. Elephant seals congregate onshore at terrestrial haul out sites three times per year: during the breeding season (December-March), the molt (March-July), and the juvenile haul out (September-November). During the rest of the year, the animals are entirely pelagic, living only in the ocean. Breeding Elephant seals congregate on land at traditional haul out sites to breed and raise their young. They have a hierarchical breeding system with large dominant males aggressively defending their position near groups of females. The older bulls usually arrive first in early December and engage in stylized but often bloody fights to establish dominance. Females begin pupping within a few days of their arrival with the first pup born around December 15. The dominant bulls become the "beachmasters", or alpha bull. These males defend their position within a group of females (around 50), thereby minimizing the number of males to actually impregnate the females (Le Boeuf and Laws 1994). Small discrete colonies such as Point Reyes Headlands may have only a few alpha bulls; whereas large, continuous colonies such as San Miguel Island may have an array of bulls and subordinate males at intervals along a beach. Most elephant seals fast while onshore during the breeding season and remain onshore continuously. Females fast for 1 month during the time that they are onshore with pups and males may fast up to 3 months as beachmasters. Subordinate males that do not have a dominant position on the rookery may travel to other rookeries, and exchange of males between Point Reyes Headlands and the Farallones occurs frequently within a breeding season. Females give birth to a single pup, although a couple cases of twinning have been reported at the Farallon Islands and Año Nuevo. At birth, pups weigh around 70 lbs and have a black coat of fur which is shed after they are weaned. Pups cannot swim and are vulnerable to storms and disturbance. Pups increase body mass rapidly and weigh around 280 lbs when weaned at 4-6 weeks. The fat content of milk increases from 15-55% as the female loses weight during the nursing period (Stewart and Huber 1993). Gestation is around eleven months, but females have delayed implantation of the fertilized egg for 2-3 months; consequently, individual females give birth within a few days of the time they gave birth in the previous year. Females come into estrus around 4-6 weeks after giving birth, and breed with males on the rookery shortly before weaning their young. Weaning is an abrupt action by the female when she departs from the rookery to go to sea. Pups then form pods on the beach and fast for another month or so (11-16 weeks of age), living off their body fat before molting and learning to swim. They lose fat at the rate of 5 g/kg/day (Stewart and Huber 1993). The peak in the number of pregnant females present on the rookery occurs around the last week of January and the first week of February. By March 15, most breeding

11 animals have departed from the haul out to forage at sea. Molt The molting period extends over several months (April-August) because each sex and age class molts at a different time. Immatures and females molt first from late March through May, followed by subadult males in June, and bulls in July. Females that gave birth in December will arrive in late March to molt. Seals will remain onshore for around 1 month to molt. Elephant seals, unlike any other mammal except the monk seal, have a "drastic" molt process during which time the fur is shed in sheets (Le Boeuf and Laws 1994). The new hair pushes the old hairs out, and a sheet of old epidermis and fur is sloughed off. People often assume that the seals are ill when they have this ragged appearance. Juvenile Haul Out Juvenile elephant seals up to the age of four years, followed by pubertal subadult males, haul out at breeding sites from September through November (Le Boeuf and Laws 1994). The number of seals present can be comparable to those present during the breeding season with inclusion of migrants from southern rookeries. At Point Reyes Headlands, many of these migrants later return to breed. Reproductive Success Females begin breeding at around age four and give birth almost annually thereafter until death at around age 20. The probability of giving birth annually is high at around 0.97 (Le Boeuf and Reiter 1988); however, younger females have a lower probability of successfully weaning their young than older females. Consequently, in a new colony such as Point Reyes Headlands, one would expect a lower survival rate. Nevertheless, mortality rates of pups have been low most years at Point Reyes Headland, likely due to mild winters between 1987 and When severe storms occurred in 1992, and 1994, the survival of pups to weaning decreased (Figure 4). Terrestrial Habitats Preferred terrestrial habitats for elephant seals are sandy or cobblestone beaches and low energy surf zones with a gradual slope. If sand is present, elephant seals engage in sand flipping, both for thermoregulation and as displacement behavior. This behavior has caused a reduction in sand on some beaches heavily used by elephant seals. At breeding sites where sand has diminished, the number of seals present has declined in kind over the years, as occurred at the Farallon Islands and Año Nuevo Island (Wm. Sydeman, PRBO, pers. com.). Marine Habitats Elephant seals spend 60-80% of their time at sea, but little is known about their distribution or behavior at sea. Bartholomew (1952) noted that elephant seals enter the water on an individual basis, and inferred that they were solitary at sea. In recent years,

12 new technology has allowed researchers to determine that elephant seals can dive up to 1.6 km deep and stay under water for almost two hours. Average swim speeds range from meters per second (Le Boeuf and Laws 1994). Elephant seals dive almost continuously when at sea with average depths of m and time under water of 22 min (Stewart and DeLong 1994). Researchers have distinguished five different diving styles related to foraging, traveling, processing and sleeping (Le Boeuf and Laws 1994). A long shallow dive, for example, is indicative of a sleep dive. Laboratory studies with live elephant seals have confirmed they sleep for long periods while holding their breath. Elephant seals disperse rapidly and widely from the haul out sites and typically will transit to a foraging area, remain for a while and then move on to another foraging area. Elephant seals tagged at San Miguel Island were located in the Bering Sea within two weeks (Stewart and DeLong 1988). Females and males appear to migrate to divergent foraging areas (Le Boeuf and Laws 1994); female seals travel to deep waters off the continental shelf as far as Hawaii and adult males primarily migrate north to Alaska. Little is known regarding the movements of immature or newly weaned seals, although dive studies have indicated that seals can also dive deeply. In the Gulf of the Farallones, elephant seal distribution has been correlated with deep waters off the continental shelf near the Farallon Islands (Allen 1994; Figure 5). Feeding The most current information on the diets of elephant seals of San Miguel Island, California, using stomach content analysis indicates that most prey species occur in the mid-water zones and few occur on the surface or bottom regions. The most frequently occurring prey include cephalopods and Pacific hake, although seals are also known to prey on skates, rays, sharks, shrimp, and crab (Antonnelis et al. 1987, DeLong and Stewart 1991). Since studies are based on stomach content analysis when the animal is onshore, the diet may be very different from these results because the animals forage in remote and deep waters and would have digested food by the time they arrived at the haul out. Mortality Predators are primarily great white sharks (Carharodon carcharias) and killer whales (Orcinus orca). Articles in the popular literature have particularly focused attention on shark predation on seals; however, the effect of sharks on population numbers is not known (Ainley et al ) Biologists estimate that around 10% of the elephant seal population on the Farallon Islands are preyed upon by white sharks (Wm. Sydeman, PRBO, pers. com.). Most shark attacks on the Farallon Islands occur in <11 m of water and within.4 km of shore (P. Klimley, UC Bodega Marine Lab, pers. com.). Several incidences of shark attacks on seals and sea lions have been observed at the Point Reyes Lighthouse and around the Point Reyes Headlands by park personnel over the past decade.

13 Although terrestrial predators, such as grizzly bears and aborigines, may have factored in the distribution of seals prehistorically, currently there are no known terrestrial predators. Coyotes exist along the margins of the colony at Año Nuevo mainland and eat dead pups but there is no evidence that they prey on live pups. Death of young pups is the major cause for mortality on elephant seal colonies. Small pups are crushed by combating bulls, bit by other females or abandoned. This vulnerability is aggravated by overcrowding and severe winter storms. Le Boeuf and Reiter (1988) estimated that the survival of pups the first year was around 60%. At Point Reyes, neonatal mortality is low except during years of severe storms when ocean swells inundate the haulout causing pups to be washed out or separated from females; a small percentage of pups are also killed by landslides caused by erosion during storms (Allen, unpubl. data). There is evidence also that elephant seals are affected by major climatic disturbances such as the El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) when the source and distribution of prey items are disrupted (Barber and Chavez 1983, Trillmich and Ono 1991). Many females at the Farallon Islands, for example, skipped pupping during the year following an ENSO event (PRBO, pers. com). Elephant seals become entangled in a variety of plastic debris, including monofilament gill net fragments, fishing line, plastic packing straps, and trammel net fragments. Entanglement can lead to death and injury. Surveys on the southern Channel Islands in 1985 and 1986 revealed that the number of elephant seals entangled in marine debris was only 0.2% (Stewart and Yochem 1987). Over the past few years, a few immature seals have been seen at Point Reyes Headlands entangled in plastic line or hooked in fishing gear. Several diseases have been documented in seals, in general, and the potential for disease transmission throughout a colony is accelerated by the tendency of the seals to rest onshore in close proximity. Examples of pathogenic microorganisms isolated from dermal wounds and abscesses of seals include Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, Proteus and Corynebacterium (Kinne 1985). Intestinal parasites acquired from prey items or from other seals may also pose a health risk. Viral and fungal diseases in seals are less well known but examples of seal pox, San Miguel Sea Lion Virus, Candida and rabies have been documented in seals and sea lions (Kinne 1985).

14 MANAGEMENT ISSUES Management Zoning Land within the park has been divided into four management zones; natural, historic, development and special use. The natural zone is comprised of environmental protection reserves, wilderness areas and natural areas. Natural areas maintain their natural appearance while allowing visitor access and use. They are transition zones between wilderness areas and allow vehicular access. The environmental protection reserves consist of three marine life reserves established by the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) to preserve and protect unique areas for public observation and scientific study. Access to these areas is restricted; however, commercial fishing operations are permitted there. The three reserves are Point Reyes Headland, Tomales Point and Double Point. Elephant seals currently occur at one of these sites, Point Reyes Headlands (PRH). Wilderness acreage includes over half of the park and wilderness is managed in accordance with the Wilderness Act as "an area of undeveloped federal land retaining its primeval character and influence without permanent improvements or human habitation which is protected and managed so as to preserve its natural conditions and which is affected by the forces of nature." No roads or mechanized equipment are allowed in these areas. Visitor access to each of the zones is facilitated by various means. Currently, a shuttle bus system sometimes is available to ferry people from the development zones at Drakes and South Beaches to the development zone at the Lighthouse. From the development zones several trails radiate out into the natural and wilderness areas. Ranches also maintain unpaved roads and trails for managing cattle. Presently, elephant seals occur in an environmental protection reserve at PRH, in a wilderness area (Point Reyes Beach), and in natural areas (Abbott's Lagoon, Tomales Bay and Fish Docks Beach). The coastal area of the Seashore has retained much of its pristine condition because ranching was the primary use in the area since colonization by the Spaniards in the 1800's. Access to the public, therefore, has been restricted and development minimized. Several small state and county park areas formed in the 1960's began to draw more people and with the formation of the National Seashore, visitation grew rapidly. Nearly 2.6 million people visited the Seashore in 1992, nearly double what was recorded in 1982 (1.4 million). Many of these visitors concentrate in developed areas, but increasingly people are hiking into the backcountry. Nearly 34,000 people stayed overnight in 1992, versus 19,100 in Increased visitor use is also reflected in the number of boating accidents which have risen over the past decade and the number of search and rescue efforts (PRNS 1993). The park is popular to visitors year round; since recognition of the area as a good location for viewing whales, December, January and February have become popular months. Most visitors (80%) use the beaches and less

15 (20%) use trail areas. Safety Elephant seals are known to chase and bite people when approached too closely. This is of particular concern during the breeding season when male seals are fighting and females are defending their young. A minimum buffer zone of 100 meters is recommended for visitor safety and pinniped protection, as recommended by the National Marine Fisheries Service. In some locations, a greater distance may be recommended depending on access. At Point Reyes Headlands there are steep cliffs above the colony where park visitors are at risk of falling. The Point Reyes Peninsula has one of the highest incidence rates of great white shark attacks on people in the world. Because elephant seals are a favored prey item of sharks, there is concern that the visiting public may be at greater risk while boating or swimming in Seashore waters around seal haul out sites. Near Año Nuevo Island, a kayak was attacked and sunk by a white shark in Colony Site Selection Elephant seals have selected mainland sites to rest and breed where there are few people and where there is a low-sloped, sandy beach. Park visitor use of sections of Point Reyes, Drakes and Limantour Beaches has likely precluded colonization by elephant seals to date. The births of several pups ( n=15) and the high survival rate (93%) at Point Reyes Beach and Fish Dock Beach during the winter of was likely due to the reduced presence of visitors and the shifting of seals from Point Reyes Headlands during excessive storms. If females successfully rear pups at a location, they are likely to return to breed again. These subcolonies, therefore, have the potential to be significant breeding areas at the Seashore. Individual elephant seals have also rested onshore at Abbotts Lagoon, Tomales Bay sandflats, Bolinas Beach, Double Point and Limantour Beach. In 1993 a pup was born at Bolinas Beach, but the female eventually abandoned the pup due to excessive disturbance from people and dogs. Conflicts with Threatened and Endangered Species The western snowy plover was listed as a threatened species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Plovers breed along several dune-backed beaches at the Seashore including Point Reyes and Drakes Beaches, and especially near Abbotts Lagoon. The breeding season of plovers (March-June) coincides with the molt period when immature and female seals are onshore. There is potential for conflict over space with the plovers suffering from the presence of elephant seals on their breeding grounds. Northern elephant seals on San Miguel Island, California, for example, have displaced the breeding population of snowy plovers there. The Seashore is currently developing a snowy plover management plan which will

16 address alternatives for protecting and expanding existing nesting habitat. There are several native plants in the coastal dune community which have special status and which may be at risk from elephant seals crushing and displacing sand. The most significant of these species in the most likely sites of exposure at Abbotts Lagoon are listed in Appendix 1. Changes in visitor use patterns with the presence of seals at new beaches will increase visitor use and impacts to facilities. Visitors wanting to see elephant seals increased use on a social trail near the Fish Docks Beach causing erosion and trampling native plants.new facilities (e.g., improved trail near the Fish Dock Beach, signs regarding sensitive species) may be required to accommodate increased visitor traffic and divert traffic from sensitive areas. Disease Diseases and parasites are prevalent in seal populations, the spread of which may be accelerated in crowded conditions. Several are opportunistic and potentially transmissible to humans. Bacterial organisms which may pose a health risk to humans who come in close proximity or touch seals include staphylococci, streptococci, pseudomonas, aeromonas, proteus and erysipelothrix, vibrio, clostridia and mycobacteria (Kinne 1985). Leptospiros has not been documented in elephant seals, although transmission between sea lions and humans has been recorded (Lauckner 1985). These diseases may be transmitted by direct contact such as through a wound in the skin or indirectly by aerosol when a seal coughs or sneezes. Disturbance Most pinnipeds are reactive to the proximity of humans and will stampede into the water when approached too closely (< 100 m). Not all species nor all individuals, though, respond alike. Behavioral changes, such as retreating into the water or cessation of nursing activity, are indicative of the sensitivity of elephant seals to human intrusion and are recognized as disturbance under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Low flying aircraft and "incautious visitation" can disrupt social structure and cause mother-pup separation (Bonnell et al. 1981). Human disturbance can have more subtle effects on seals by causing physiological changes related to stress of human presence, reducing nursing periods, increasing male conflicts, and increasing the risk of pup mortality by crushing or abandonment. At newly established colonies, human presence can deter seal attendance, particularly pregnant cows which will often rapidly retreat into the water when people are nearby. The delay in establishment of a colony at Point Reyes and Limantour Beaches may be due, in part, to visitor/seal interactions. Dogs All species of seals are very reactive to dogs and will flee in the presence of dogs. Dogs

17 caused increased mortality of monk seal pups of Hawaii by harassing, barking at, biting and generally intimidating seals (Kenyon 1972). On Point Reyes Beach, park personnel witnessed a pregnant female elephant seal fleeing into the water in the presence of dogs on leashes during the breeding season in 1995 and dogs have barked at and harassed an adult male seal in the 1996 breeding season. Consequently, the natural expansion of elephant seals may be restricted by the presence of dogs on beaches such as Limantour and Point Reyes Beach, where dogs are currently allowed. Of additional concern is the transmission of serious diseases (e.g., canine distemper) from dogs to seals. For these reasons, the National Marine Fisheries Service recommends that dogs be prohibited on beaches where pinnipeds occur (J. Lecky, National Marine Fisheries Service, lit. cit.). Grazing Most cattle grazing within the Seashore is restricted from beach areas; however, cattle do have infrequent access to areas along Point Reyes and Drakes Beaches. Cattle can serve as agents for transmission of diseases. During the breeding season for example, elephant seals at the Fish Dock Beach were exposed to runoff from dairy cattle stock ponds. Cattle, in turn, are at risk to exposure to diseases and parasites from elephant seals.

18 RECOMMENDED MANAGEMENT PROGRAM The management plan for elephant seals at the Seashore will follow an adaptive management, step-down process whereby actions will be taken based on the specific levels of activity that are reached (see flow chart Figure 6). Decision making will depend on where and when elephant seals select sites to breed and molt, and what potential conflicts come into consideration. Enforcement and Safety Two levels of protection are proposed. The first level includes the use of signs and publicity; the second level involves patrols and managed access through a docent program. Training in elephant seal natural history and on proper behavior around elephant seals will also be provided to all park staff. Public safety will be strongly emphasized through signs, patrols, and publicity. Vehicular traffic to the Point Reyes Headlands is currently high due to the strong interest in whale watching and is partially diverted on weekends with shuttle buses. An expanded shuttle bus system may be necessary to accommodate increased visitor activity to see seals during the winter breeding season. Parking areas will likely overflow with illegal parking occurring in some areas. The Maintenance Division will have an increased burden in repairing and maintaining trails, parking areas, and signs. Park visitors likely will create new social trails to access seals such as is occurring at Fish Dock Beach and South Beach. Such areas may require protection, barriers, and restoration. Visitor protection and enforcement of seal management regulations fall primarily under the Code of Federal Regulations and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Public use area closures and wildlife protection violations are described under 36 CFR 1.5 and 2.2(a)(2), respectively. Violations are addressed using the full spectrum of enforcement options, ranging from verbal warnings to citations requiring mandatory court. Interpretation The interpretive program will occur on several levels including signs, public relations, outreach to the local community, seminars, and a docent program. Interpretive signs will be developed and placed in key visitor and animal activity areas, to enhance the education process and enjoyment of the resource. Public relations and outreach to the local community will occur in the form of informal and formal programs and seminars, press releases during critical periods, and inclusion of local residents in the docent program. A Docent program of trained volunteers is planned for several sites which showed heavy use by elephant seals in Docents will be recruited from local communities and will

19 receive training in elephant seal and associated marine mammal natural history, management of the area, and public contact techniques. The goal of the program is for Docents to perform a wide variety of formal and informal public contacts. In addition to interpretive activities, Docents will be available for monitoring animal behavior at the colonies, and assisting research staff with animal counts. The Fish Dock Beach site, near the Chimney Rock trailhead, will be a key area for Docent activity. This site was frequented by visitors in 1995 because of its easy access to a bluff overlooking the beach and to the beach itself. The bluff was signed and rangers conducted informal roves and enforcement patrols. This area is expected to remain a popular viewing site. The Lighthouse area has traditionally been a center for marine mammal interpretation. In 1995 haulouts of elephant seals on South Beach, directly below the Lighthouse parking area, received a lot of visitor attention. Interpretive rangers focused their efforts on elephant seal activity and natural history programs, with good public response. Due to the draw to the Point Reyes Lighthouse during winter whale watching, the Lighthouse area will also be an important location for Docent interaction. The third area for interpretive activities will be on South Beach, near the haulout sites. This area is more difficult to access, but warrants education and patrols due to its high visibility from the Lighthouse area. Docent responsibilities will consist of informal roves and talks. Interpretive rangers will develop and deliver formal programs and site bulletins, and supervise Docents. Monitoring Three levels of monitoring and research are proposed. Level 1: The current low level of monitoring includes year round opportunistic surveys and intensive surveys during the breeding season. Level 2: The second level involves Level 1 plus additional intensive surveys and tagging during the molt and the juvenile haul out in the fall. Level 2 effort would also include sampling for disease for detection of potential transmission of pathogens. Graduate students would be enlisted to do independent research. Level 3: Level 3 is inclusive of Levels 1 and 2 and additionally would retain a seasonal coordinator to oversee research and monitoring and who would strengthen relationship with universities to conduct more intensive research. Stranded Live and Dead Specimens As the colony increases in size and new sites are established, more individual elephant seals will arrive on beaches where they could be found by park visitors. Some of these

20 elephant seals may be sick or injured, others may just be molting seals that may appear sick. All reported stranded animals are currently monitored in place on beaches for 24 hours unless they occur in high public use areas and are determined to be sick or injured by a qualified biologist (Figure 7). Elephant seals that might come onshore at high public use areas are at risk to injury or harassment by humans. If these animals do not depart from these sites in a timely manner, they may be removed and relocated. Those seals determined to be ill or injured and occur in high use areas will be picked up by the Marine Mammal Center (TMMC) for rehabilitation and release. Figure 7 provides a decision tree on treatment of individual, live stranded elephant seals. Employees or agents of a Federal land management agency may take a marine mammal without a permit (CFR Title 50); however, dead animals currently are collected by participants of the National Marine Fisheries Service Stranding Network, including the California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, and the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley. Dead animals should not be removed from colonies, though, if undue disturbance to the colony would occur. Generally, sick or injured elephant seals will not be removed from the colony sites. In the event of a mass die off or stranding of sick or injured elephant seals at colony sites, an investigative team of experts from the NMFS Stranding Network would be formed to assess causes and propose solutions. Public Use Area Closures Closures may be recommended both to protect elephant seals from potential injury or harassment from the visiting public and to protect the visiting public from injury inflicted by elephant seals. Closure, or partial closure, of public beaches may be recommended if colonizing elephant seals arrive to rest or breed on accessible beaches. Full closure may require restriction from entry with patrols, signs and fencing. Partial closure may restrict access to dogs, define a minimum distance of approach to the seals (@ 100 feet), and include signs and fencing. All breeding areas would receive full closure designation. Currently, Point Reyes Headlands is closed year round to the public, Fish Docks Beach was closed during the breeding season in 1995, and south Point Reyes Beach was closed to dogs and partially closed to the public during the 1995 season. Only a small portion of Point Reyes near the Lighthouse was fully restricted to the public. In future years, both these beaches may be closed again, depending upon whether seals return there to breed. Closure of areas can be accomplished with signs, patrolling and fencing. The presence of interpreters near breeding sites offering information from a suitable distance and location is a strong deterrent to visitors from entering closed areas. Closures would remain in effect until elephant seals were no longer present on the site near the end of the breeding season in March. Once subcolonies are established, elephant seals tend to be present during the molt and the fall juvenile haul out periods. It may, therefore, also be

21 necessary to restrict access during these periods. On occasion, parking areas such as at the Lifeboat Station may be temporarily restricted when an elephant seal chooses to rest there, as occurred in In some cases, elephant seals may be discouraged from residing in parking areas by the Marine Mammal Coordinator or other trained personnel. Internal Control All NPS staff and researchers authorized to enter elephant seal breeding areas will be trained in elephant seal identification, breeding biology, safety, and acceptable activities in the presence of seals. Access into closed breeding areas will be limited to authorized activities cleared through the Marine Mammal Coordinator. The type of activity allowed will depend on the proximity to actual breeding or resting animals and the action's priority or immediacy. Immediate threats to visitor safety in closed areas should be mitigated immediately and then reported to the National Marine Fisheries Service. Only research activities which directly benefit the park and are connected with elephant seal management or other high priority management issues and which can be carried out without interfering with seal breeding activities will be permitted within the closed breeding areas. Cooperative or contractual researchers will be required to have a collecting permit, to contact the park before initiating any field work and weekly thereafter to keep the park informed of their activities and information on elephant seal breeding status. Public Information Press releases will be issued during the breeding season to alert the public of area use closures and provide general information on elephant seal activity and breeding success. The release will describe the need for the closure, approximate dates and locations. Notices will also be issued for any major change in management practices. Press releases will be provided to local officials, the local press, kayak groups and other special interest groups. Elephant seal exhibits will be displayed when possible at major entry points to beaches and at the visitor centers. Information brochures will also be distributed as needed. Temporary signs restricting access will be erected at known elephant seal breeding sites. Mitigation for Endangered Species Mitigation measures may be necessary to protect other species when elephant seals expand into new areas. A snowy plover management plan is being written and will propose measures to protect plover breeding habitat from resting elephant seals. Temporary barricades may also be erected to block elephant seals from encroaching on rare plants, where appropriate.