HMSRP Hawaiian Monk Seal Diet Studies

This project investigates the dietary consumption of Hawaiian monk seals using traditional dietary analysis of fecal and regurgitate samples. Samples are collected opportunistically at haul out locations throughout the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and Main Hawaiian Islands. Information collected during sample collection includes seal identifications and location of collection. Following cleaning and drying protocols, samples are analyzed and prey hard parts are identified to lowest taxonomic resolution. Identification is made to at least Family level, but often Genus, and occasionally Species level.

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. The purpose of dietary studies is to define Hawaiian monk seal dietary trends and requirements to better understand the links between environment, prey variability, and demography.

Division: Protected Species

Division Chief: Charles Littnan

Program: PSD Foraging Ecology

Ownership: PIFSC

Study Area: Northwestern and main Hawaiian Islands

Taxonomic Resolution: Family, Genus, Species

Frequency of Collection: Opportunistic, Intermittent, Inconsistent,

Time of collection: Variable

Types of Data Collected: Seal demographics (Age, Sex), Location of collection

Collection Method: Standard field collection protocols

Collection Standards of the Samples: Available

Storage Location: Data stored within two separate Access databases (monkseal and Prey Identification Library) on Bishop Museum Server.

Storage Media / Format: Computer hard drive, server

Backups: Available

Update Schedule: Bi-yearly

Data Distribution Method: External jump drive

Format of Data / Products on web server: Access

1845 WASP Blvd., Building 176

Honolulu, HI 96818

Hawaiian Monk Seal Program ideally authorized by contact

Contact Data Control Person - Charles Littnan (charles.littnan@noaa.gov)

Ideally in collaboration with contact within Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program

Use of the data would ideally 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.