HMSRP Hawaiian Monk Seal Island/Sector Locations for Data Collection

This data set documents locations and location codes used in monk seal data collection as part of the ongoing monk seal population assessment efforts. Information includes atolls, islets within each atoll, sectors valid for each islet, and GPS coordinates. Sectors for the six main breeding locations in the NWHI were established in 1982 at the beginning of concerted data collection by this project, and have remained fairly constant with the exception of boundary changes at Lisianski and Midway in 1992, and islet coding changes at Kure in 1994. In recent years sectors have also been established for the main Hawaiian islands.

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 islands/sectors data documents locations and location codes used in all PSD monk seal data collection.

Division: Protected Species

Division Chief: Charles Littnan

Program: PSD Population Assessment

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: None

Frequency of Collection: This is a static reference table, updated periodically as needed

Time of collection: This is a static reference table, updated periodically as needed

Type of Data Collected: Islands/sector

Collection Method: Collection form, GPS, record sector boundaries on maps

Recording Media: Paper, database on field laptop computers, backup CD files

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 Method: Zip files via email or CD

1845 Wasp Blvd., Building 176

Honolulu, HI 96818

Islands/sector

ENT Table: MS_ATOLLENT Table: MS_GEO_AREASENT Table: MS_GEO_AREA_HIER

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 will 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.

ORACLE database table

This data set includes all known atolls/major islands within the known Hawaiian monk seal range, including the Hawaiian Archipelago and Johnston Atoll. It does not include all islets offshore of major islands.

This does not include all islets offshore of major islands.

Listed longitude and latitude were obtained from various sources and, though approximate, may not be exact. Size and shape of small islands and islets shift over time.

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.

Location designations established to demarcate island/islet perimeters for the purpose of seal sighting data collection.