HMSRP Hawaiian Monk Seal Telemetry Tag Deployments

This project investigates foraging behavior of Hawaiian monk seals by conducting telemetry studies. During these studies, live seals are instrumented with dive recorders, cell phone tags, and other instruments to determine foraging locations and dive and foraging behavior. These data document the deployment of telemetry tags on Hawaiian monk seals.

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 telemetry studies is to define Hawaiian monk seal foraging behavior to better understand the links between environment, prey variability, and demography.

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none.

Data use for analysis or publication is expected to be conducted in collaboration with and proper attribution to NOAA scientists responsible for data collection.

Instrumentation of seals occur opportunistically depending upon logistics and program priorities. Seal size/sex classes are not equally represented due to considerations such as seal size and reproductive status.

Instrumentation of seals occur opportunistically depending upon logistics and program priorities. Seal size/sex classes are not equally represented due to considerations such as seal size and reproductive status.

Data should be reviewed prior to analysis

Data should be reviewed prior to analysis

We relied on quality readings associated with each reading from instruments as well as post-processing steps.

Original files will be regularly backed up and stored on a secure server separate from publicly accessible files.

Data were downloaded from animal-mounted cell phone and other telemetry tags. After initial processing and quality checks, locations were compiled into csv files.