HMSRP Hawaiian Monk Seal Specimen Data (includes physical specimens, collection information, status, storage locations, and laboratory results associated with individual specime...

This data set includes physical specimens, paper logs and Freezerworks database of all logged information on specimens collected from Hawaiian monk seals since 1975. Information collected on specimens include animal ID's, dates, preservation methods, storage locations, where specimens were analyzed, and results of analyses. Specimens collected are either Non-invasive specimens collected either from dead animals (e.g., tissues, skeletal samples, body fluids, etc.) or samples are collected from live animals by collecting scats, molts, spews, etc. that are found on the beach near live animals. Invasive specimen collection includes tissue plugs collected when animals are tagged, or health screening/survey samples that are collected during animal restraint. Samples are collected by PSD personnel and cooperating scientists as part of the ongoing health and disease, population genetics, and foraging ecology assessment. Specimens are housed at PIFSC Dole Street office, Kewalo Research Facility, and Ford Island.

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, 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 majority of monk seal specimens are collected at this time, or while conducting special studies on foraging ecology and epidemiology. Collection and analyses of specimens are essential components of learning about population genetics and how disease and foraging ecology may be impacting the recovery of the species.

Division: Protected Species

Division Chief: Charles Littnan

Programs: PSD Health and Disease

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: Whenever seals are handled, opportunistically/non-invasive when specimens are found near animals, or when carcasses are recovered

Time of Collection: Year round

Types of Data Collected: Specimen records, physical specimens

Collection Method: Collection form, physical specimens collected according to written protocols

Recording Media: Paper, database on field laptop computers or desktops, backup CD disks

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 Avaiable to Users: Available

Automated QC Procedure: Available

Quality Control Documentation: Available

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

Storage Media/Format: Paper form, ASCII files, ORACLE database, ACCESS database, Freezerworks

Security and Integrity Plans: Available

Backups: Available

Storage and Security Documentation: Available

Distribution Method: Zip file via email or CD, or physical specimens

1845 WASP Blvg. Bldg 176

Specimen records, laboratory results, physical specimens

ENT Table: HD_ALIQUOTSENT Table: HD_SAMPLES

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 Lizabeth Kashinsky (Lizabeth.Kashinsky@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.

Data are collected at Hawaiian monk seal haulout locations during variable-length field seasons. Carcasses may not be observed if seals die outside of the field season, in areas that are rarely surveyed, or at sea. Carcass condition influences the ability to determine cause of death and other information.

Information is collected by multiple observers with varying levels of training over an extended time period. Necropsy protocols have varied over time.

Data are collected at Hawaiian monk seal haulout locations during variable-length field seasons. Carcasses may not be observed if seals die outside of the field season, in areas that are rarely surveyed, or at sea. Carcass condition influences the ability to determine cause of death and other information.

Data should be reviewed prior to analysis

Information is collected by multiple observers with varying levels of training over an extended time period. Necropsy protocols have varied over time.

Data should be reviewed prior to analysis

Standard data life-cycle processes are followed to ensure quality and accuracy.

Not applicable

Data are backed-up daily per PIFSC's Information Technology Services security policies.

Samples are collected from live and dead Hawaiian monk seals and stored in the NOAA IRC archive. The collection includes samples that are stored at room temperature, Ultra Cold (-80C), frozen (-10C), formalin, or alcohol