HMSRP Hawaiian Monk Seal Survival Factors

This data set contains records of survival factors recorded by PSD personnel and cooperating scientists as part of the ongoing monk seal population assessment efforts, and some miscellaneous earlier records extending back as far as 1977. Survival factors are defined as any unique event, or series of events that may affect the survival of an individual seals. Data are recorded for all deaths, probable deaths, suspicious disappearances, and moderate to severe injuries. Other recorded events include entanglement, observed male aggression, emaciation, ill or abnormal condition, oiling, or a seal out of habitat. Most data (since 1996) have been entered, however much of the older data are housed at PIFSC in paper form.

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 survival factor data are our primary record of information on factors that effect the survival of individual seals.

Division: Protected Species

Division Chief: Charles Littnan

Program: PSD Population Assessment

Athorities: 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 an event is documented that might effect the survival of an individual seal

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

Type of Data Collected: Survival factor records

Collection Method: Collection form

Recording Media: Paper, database on field laptop computers, 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 Available to Users: Available

Automated QC Procedures: Available

Quality Control Documentation: Available

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

Storage Media: Paper forms, ASCII files, ORACLE database

Security and Integrity Plans: Available

Backups: Available

Storage and Security Documentation: Available

Data Distribution Methods: Zip files via email or CD

1845 Wasp Blvd., Building 176

Honolulu, HI 96818

Survival factor records

ENT Table: MS_SFREPS

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 Thea Johanos (thea.johanos-kam@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.

ORACLE database table

Field seasons are of variable length and survival factors that occur during the off-season are under represented. Early data need to be reviewed and brought up to current coding standards. Most early data are not entered and remain on paper forms.

Field seasons are of variable length and survival factors that occur during the off-season are under represented. Early data need to be reviewed and brought up to current coding standards. Most early data are not entered and remain on paper forms.

Field seasons are of variable length and survival factors that occur during the off-season are under represented. Early data need to be reviewed and brought up to current coding standards. Most early data are not entered and remain on paper forms.

Field seasons are of variable length and survival factors that occur during the off-season are under represented. Early data need to be reviewed and brought up to current coding standards. Most early data are not entered and remain on paper forms.

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

Not applicable

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

Summary information on injuries and other factors that may compromise the survival of individual seals, collected during seal surveys.