Legacy HMSRP Hawaiian Monk Seal Behavioral data

This data set contains focal animal observations and other behavioral data recorded during special studies conducted by PSD personnel and cooperating scientists as part of the ongoing monk seal population assessment and survival enhancement efforts. These include Effects of Tagging and Association Patterns studies conducted at Lisianski Island in 1982, Pair Watches recorded as part of a behavioral study at Laysan Island in 1985, behavior data collected at Sea Life Park, and mother-pup observations collected at Trig Island in 2009 (roughly replicating Boness' earlier FFS mother-pup study). Most data have been entered, however 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, Marine Mammal Research Division 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. Focal animal sampling and other behavioral observation data were collected to evaluate the effects of tagging on weaned pups and understand and develop methods management tools to mitigate male aggression and increase female survival.

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: During special behavioral studies

Time of collection: During spring-summer breeding season or other study period

Type of Data Collected: Focal animal observations, behavioral observations

Data Collection Method: Collection form

Recording Media: Paper, ASCII files

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

Data Collection Documentation: Field Manual

Storage Location: 1845 WASP Blvd., Building 176, Honolulu, HI 96818

Storage Media: Paper forms, ASCII files, tapes

Security and Integrity Plans: Available

Backups: Available

Storage and Security Documentation: Available

Update Schedule: Yearly if studies ongoing

Data Distribution Method: Zip file via email or CD

1845 WASP Blvd., Building 176

Honolulu, HI 96818

Focal animal observations, behavioral observations

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.

Data were collected at Hawaiian monk seal haulout locations during variable-length field seasons using various protocols. Focal animal observations were not conducted at all breeding sites and years, and do not equally represent all monk seal size/sex classes.

Data were collected at Hawaiian monk seal haulout locations during variable-length field seasons using various protocols. Focal animal observations were not conducted at all breeding sites and years, and do not equally represent all monk seal size/sex classes.

Data should be completely entered, reviewed, and edited prior to analysis.

Data are collected over an extended period by multiple observers and protocols.

Data should be completely entered, reviewed, and edited 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 and Technology Services security policies.

Behavioral interactions collected during focal animal observations of one or more seals.