HMSRP Hawaiian Monk Seal Photo Collections (ID, Survival Factors)

This photo collection contains identification and other images and video of Hawaiian monk seals taken by PSD personnel and cooperating scientists as part of the ongoing monk seal population assessment efforts since at least 1982, with some miscellaneous photos extending as far back as 1977. Images were primarily black and white print or color slides prior to 2001 when the first digital cameras were sent to the field. Searchable digital photo databases were developed for each location in 2002 and were in near final form by 2003 and contain individual ID photos, survival factors, necropsy photos, archives, and miscellaneous images.

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. Hawaiian monk seal photo data collection is an important tool for individual identification of seals and to document survival factors, including deaths, and other noteworthy events.

Division: Protected Species

Division Chief: Charles Littnan

Program: Hawaiian Monk Seal Research 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: As necessary for ID purposes and to document survival factors and other noteworthy events

Time of collection: During spring-summer breeding season, opportunistically at other times of year

Type of Data Collected: Hawaiian monk seal photo data collection

Collection Method: Film, video, or digital camera

Recording Media: Film, video, digital images, photo database on field laptop computers, backup DVD

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

Data Collection Documentation: Field Manual

Validation and QC Procedures: Available

QC Standards: Available

QC Results Available to Users: Available

Automated QC Procedures: Available

Quality Control Documentation: Available

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

Storage Media: Negatives, prints, slides, video, images in digital photo databases

Security and Integrity Plans: Available

Backups: Available

Storage and Security Documentation: Available

Data Distribution Method: Email or digital media storage device

1845 Wasp Blvd., Bldg 176

Honolulu, HI

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 Brenda Becker (brenda.becker@noaa.gov) for NWHI images, or Tracy Mercer (tracy.mercer@noaa.gov) for MHI images

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

Use of these photos must be cleared with NMFS/PIFSC, Protected Species Division. The curators of these photos are concerned with assuring their proper use. Before images are used to draw specific scientific conclusions, potential users are requested to contact NMFS/PIFSC, Protected Species Division for background on these images. Acknowledgement of the image source and associated Permit Numbers should be cited. NOAA cannot assume liablility for any damages or misrepresentation caused by any inaccuracies in the images or as a result of changes to the images caused by system transfers.