HMSRP Hawaiian Monk Seal Necropsy Data

This data set contains information on Hawaiian monk seal gross necropsy (in some cases only field notes or minimal information) and histopathology results beginning in 1964. Data includes information on all recovered Hawaiian monk seal carcasses that were necropsied. Information derived from pathology reports is included when tissues were reviewed by pathologists. Necropsy tissues are collected by Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program (HMSRP) personnel and cooperating scientists as part of the ongoing health and disease assessment. The tissues are reviewed by collaborating pathologists. All original paper reports are housed at the NOAA Inouye Regional Center (IRC) and most are available electronically. Data are available in an excel spreadsheet.

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. During the field season, and as necessary in the main islands, gross necropsies are performed as needed. Tissue samples are collected from carcasses, and the tissues are eventually reviewed by pathologists to try to determine the cause of death. These necropsy and pathology reports contribute to the very limited knowledge available on how disease may impact the population.

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 carcasses are recovered and tissues can be adequately collected and preserved

Time of Collection: Year round

Types of Data Collected: Gross necropsy and pathology reports

Collection Method: Report forms and pathology reports

Recording Media: Paper and electronic versions, database, 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

Security and Integrity Plans: Available

Backups: Available

Storage and Security Documentation: Available

Distribution Method: Zip file via email or CD

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

Summarizes or is information taken directly from gross necropsy and pathology reports

ENT Table: HD_NECROPSY

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 Lizabeth Kashinsky (Lizabeth.Kashinsky@noaa.gov) and work with her 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. 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.

Summary of gross and histopathological findings on dead seals.