Hawaiian monk seal sighting and human-seal interaction data extracted from Instagram postings to support NMFS monk seal recovery efforts in the main Hawaiian Islands, from 2014-...

As social media platforms develop, they potentially provide valuable information for wildlife researchers and managers. NOAA’s Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program (HMSRP) is exploring how social media can help scientists understand the biology, ecology and threats to this endangered species. By using the media sharing and social networking service Instagram, we extracted pertinent data while disseminating information and inspiring support for Hawaiian monk seals. Specifically, we investigated how Instagram could: 1) expand our normal data set by identifying individual animals not detected by standard methods, 2) help categorize type and severity of human interactions, 3) provide early warning of concerning seal behaviors, and 4) help assess public perceptions of monk seals. We searched the keyword #monkseal examining a total of 640 public posts from a possible 8,808 available. From these, seals were individually identifiable in 80 posts representing 15.6% of the subpopulation and approximately 108 human-seal interaction events ranging from close approaches to physical interactions. The nature of comments on posts indicated that the general public attitude towards seals is less than 1% negative and that self-policing sometimes occurs on inappropriate posts. Besides gaining information, we were also able to advise the public about seals of concern and solicit information to aid HMSRP’s emergency response. Maximizing benefits on social media requires consideration and tact, especially when promoting a collective mind-shift like responsibly coexisting with wildlife. This relatively new tool has the potential to yield vast amounts of data and soon, developments will streamline data collection, utilization and sharing. Science and technology continue to evolve, and wildlife programs should take advantage of progressive and broadly inclusive tools like social media for the benefit of species conservation.

HMSRP is exploring how social media can help scientists understand the biology, ecology and threats to this endangered species. By using the media sharing and social networking service Instagram, we extracted pertinent data while disseminating information and inspiring support for Hawaiian monk seals.

one excel sheet

Public information on social media platform Instagram.

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

H:\MHI_hms\Outreach

Hawaiian monk seal sighting and human-seal interaction data extracted from Instagram postings

ENT Table:SOCIAL_MEDIA

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

Data are available by following the URL provided in this metadata record. The requester is asked to submit a request to Mark Sullivan (mark.sullivan@noaa.gov) and work with him and other PIFSC Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program staff to assure proper use of this data.

public

none

Current. On public social media.

Data from public is always questionable.

Analytical accuracy was not measured. Data may change as public owners see fit. Accurate at time of collection.

mitigated by data leader

Data quality control issues were mitigated by data leader.

Data not delayed. Remains publicly accessible.

One Excel file to be archived by data lead and copies distributed appropriately.

on secure network

10/1/2014 - 9/30/2015