HMSRP Hawaiian Monk Seal Survey Data

This data set contains records of Hawaiian monk seal and green turtle sightings in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) since 1982 at Lisianski Island, and since 1983 for most other locations. Data are collected during standardized whole-island surveys, both timed (censuses/atoll counts) and not timed (patrols/behavior patrols). Other types of surveys and incidental observations are also included in the data set. Although turtles may be recorded on any survey, turtle data collection is only required during censuses/atoll counts. These data include Main Hawaiian Island (MHI) aerial survey data collected in 2000-01. All MHI sighting data were integrated into a common format in 2005, and eventually the monk seal survey data set will contain all monk seal sighting data regardless of location. Though most of the data have been entered, some 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 survey form is our primary data collection form, and is always filled out during seal data collection (other forms might also be filled, depending upon the research activity). Beach count information collected during monk seal/green turtle surveys provide an index of the population used to evaluate historical trends. Data collected include individual identification and life history parameters such as condition, reproduction, survival, and habitat use.

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: Date, time

Frequency of Collection: Whenever research is conducted on monk seals and green turtles by the PSD Assessment Program.

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

Type of Data Collected: Survey records

Collection Method: Collection form

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

Seal Surveys

ENT Table: MS_EVENT_PHOTOSENT Table: MS_HEADERSENT Table: MS_LINES

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

Past data needs to be reviewed and brought up to current coding standards. Data from some islands/years has not been entered yet.

Past data needs to be reviewed and brought up to current coding standards.

Past data needs to be reviewed and brought up to current coding standards.

Past data needs to be reviewed and brought up to current coding standards. Data from some islands/years has not been entered yet.

Past data needs to be reviewed and brought up to current coding standards. Data from some island/years has not been entered yet.

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.

Seal sighting data collected during beach surveys.