HMSRP Hawaiian Monk Seal Entanglement data

The data set contains records of all entanglements of Hawaiian monk seals in marine debris. The data set comprises records of seals entangled by derelict fishing gear, plastic items such as rings or packing bands, or other items of human provenance. Records are also included of seals which have girdling scars characteristic of having been entangled, even if no direct entanglement was observed. The data include number of incidents, not number of individual seals (since some animals have been entangled multiple times). The data do NOT include incidents in which seals become entangled in fishing gear while it is being actively fished. Data include primarily reports from field biologists in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Data set is now complete. Ongoing data on entanglements are recorded in the Hawaiian monk seal Survival Factor dataset.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is the lead agency responsible for the recovery of the Hawaiian monk seal. NMFS Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, Protected Species Division, Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program research includes identifying threats to the population and where possible to mitigate against these threats. Moreover, NMFS prepares annual stock assessments of all marine mammal populations, and these assessments include anthropogenic sources of injury and mortality. Entanglements of monk seals in marine debris are therefore included in these reports.

Data set is now complete. Ongoing data on entanglements are recorded in the Hawaiian monk seal Survival Factor dataset.

Division: Protected Species

Division Chief: Charles Littnan

Program: PSD Hawaiian Monk Seal Research

Authorities: Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act

Ownership: PIFSC

Study Area: Hawaiian Archipelago

Spatial Resolution: Island or Islet. Beach perimeter divided into sectors in NWHI. Beach name or locality in MHI.

Temporal Resolution: Date

Frequency of Collection: Whenever entanglements are observed

Time of collection: Most incidents documented during field camps, April - September, but incident could occur any time of year.

Type of Data Collected: Marine Debris entanglement incidents

Data Collection Method: Survival Factor data forms

Recording Media: Paper form, entered into field database

Collection Standards of the Data or Creation Standards of the Data Product: Available

Data Collection Documentation: Field Manual

Validation and QC Procedures: Available

Quality Control Documentation: Available

Storage Location: 1845 Wasp Blvd. Bldng 176

Storage Media: Excel spreadsheet, see Monk Seals - Survival Factors

Backups: Available

Storage and Security Documentation: Available

Update Schedule: Whenever incidents occur

Data Distribution Method: Excel spreadsheet

1845 Wasp Blvd. Bldng 176

Honolulu, HI

Marine Debris entanglement incidents

ENT Table: ENTANGLEMENTENT Table: ENTANGLEMENT_FATESENT Table: ENTANGLEMENT_SEAL_CONDITION

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 John Henderson (john.r.henderson@noaa.gov) and work with him and other PIFSC Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program staff to assure proper use of this data.

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.

Data are collected at Hawaiian monk seal haulout locations during variable-length field seasons. Entanglements may not be observed if they occur outside of the field season, in areas that are rarely surveyed, or at sea.

Data is collected at Hawaiian monk seal haulout locations during variable-length field seasons. Entanglements may not be observed if they occur outside of the field season, in areas that are rarely surveyed, or at sea.

Data should be review prior to analysis

Data are collected over extended period by multiple observers

Data should be reviewed prior to analysis

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

Backup files maintained

Field observations entered manually into spreadsheet format.