Legacy HMSRP Hawaiian Monk Seal De-Worming Project

This project seeks to enhance Hawaiian monk seal juvenile survival by reducing parasitic worm burdens on young seals that often fail to survive their first few years of life. Juvenile seals were treated with antihelminthic (Fenbendazole, Praziquantel pill or injection or Profender) at Laysan Island (2009-2012), and at Lisianski Island and Kure Atoll (2012 only) in order to determine the efficacy of the treatment in reducing worm burdens and the animal's physiological response and/or changes in condition following treatment. Data from this project were recorded in the ongoing Hawaiian monk seal specimen, handling, and survey datasets, and additional summary information recorded details about the treatment and the animals physiological response to treatment. A one-page form was completed on each treated seal that included:

Date, time, location of treatment, seal identification, age and mass (kg) if weighed, drug, dose, slippage.

Seal's physiological response to treatment during the first-hour post-treatment and up to 10 days post-treatment when observed during Population patrols or incidental surveys. Physiological response was recorded as yes or no to possible adverse reactions about the animal may present with including decreased mobility and alertness, vomitting, diarrhea, etc. Approximately 120 seals were treated between 2009 and 2012. A subset of 43 of these seals were treated 2-3 times across this period.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is the lead agency responsible for the recovery of the Hawaiian monk seal. Each year the NMFS Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, Protected Species Division, Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program conducts studies at the main breeding sites to provide information necessary to evaluate (1) the status and trends of the monk seal subpopulations, (2) natural history traits such as survival, reproduction, growth, behavior, and feeding habits, and (3) the success of various activities designed to facilitate population growth. This project seeks to enhance Hawaiian monk seal juvenile condition and ultimately survival.

Division: Protected Species

Division Chief: Charles Littnan

Program: PSD Survival Enhancement Program

Authorities: Endangered Species Act

Ownership: PIFSC

Study Area: Hawaiian Archipelago

Spatial Resolution: Island or Atoll, islet and sector (perimeter of each islet divided into sectors for use in data collection)

Temporal Resolution: Date

Frequency of Collection: Daily

Time of collection: During the field season

Type of Data Collected: De-worming Project Summary Information

Collection Method: Binders, field notes

Recording Media: Paper

Collection Standards of the Data or Creation Standards of the Data Product: Available

Data Collection Documentation: Field Manual, internal documents

Storage Location: 1845 Wasp Blvd., Bldg 176, Honolulu, HI 96818

Storage Media: Paper, binders

Security and Integrity Plans: Available

Storage and Security Documentation: Available

Data Distribution Method: Copy, scan, or on-site review of materials

1845 Wasp Blvd., Bldg 176, Honolulu, HI 96818

NMFS/PIFSC, Protected Species Division, Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program Data Access, Sharing, and Dissemination Guidelines

Requestor will be asked to submit a request to Charles.Littnan (Charles.Littnan@noaa.gov)

NMFS/PIFSC, Protected Species Division, Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program Data Access, Sharing, and Dissemination Guidelines

Use of the data set must be cleared with NMFS/PIFSC, Protected Species Division. These data are PRELIMINARY and have not be completely screened for accuracy. NOAA can not be held liable for use of these data in a manner other than for perusal of preliminary data. The developers of these data are concerned with assuring its proper use. Before data are used to draw specific scientific conclusions, potential users are requested to contact NMFS/PIFSC, Protected Species Division for background on the data. Acknowledgement of the data should be cited. Different versions of the dataset may exist. The user must be sure to use the appropriate data set for the time period of interest. While efforts have been made to ensure that these data are accurate and reliable, NOAA cannot assume liablility for any damages or misrepresentation caused by any inaccuracies in the data or as a result of changes to the data caused by system transfers.