SI! E'S "ELECT EC TESS tcetaate,

60

Table 5.4a.--Summary of Hawaiian monk seals born at Pearl and

Hermes Reef in 1995.

Number of pups

Event Male Female Unknown Total
Born 16 ii i) 27
Died prior to weaning 0 (0) 0 (0)
Still nursing (e) 0 te) te)
Weaned 16 11 0 27
Tagged 16 11 0 27

Table 5.4b.--Summary of nursing periods and measurements of
weaned pups at Midway Atoll in 1995. All
measurements were taken within 2 weeks after

weaning.

Axillary girth (cm)

Straight dorsal

length (cm)
Mean 109.7 131.5
St. Dev. 3.2 0.7
n 2 2



21

Table 2.5a.--Known movement of Hawaiian monk seals to French
Frigate Shoals from other locations in 1995,

summarized by movements between two locations. No

seals made more than one trip.

Original location Number, size, and sex class

Necker Island 1 adult male,
1 subadult female

Laysan Island 1 adult male,
3 adult females

Table 2.5b.--Known movement of Hawaiian monk seals from French
Frigate Shoals to other locations in 1995,
summarized by movements between two locations. No
seals made more than one trip.

Destination Number, size, and sex class

Laysan Island 1 adult male,
1 adult female



The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), organized in
1970, has evolved into an agency which establishes national policies and
manages and conserves our oceanic, coastal, and atmospheric resources. An
organizational element within NOAA, the Office of Fisheries is responsible for
fisheries policy and the direction of the National Marine Fisheries Service
(NMFS).

In addition to its formal publications, the NMFS uses the NOAA Technical
Memorandum series to issue informal scientific and technical publications when
complete formal review and editorial processing are not appropriate or feasible.
Documents within this series, however, reflect sound professional work and may
be referenced in the formal scientific and technical literature.



71

Table 6.1.--Summary statistics for atoll censuses (n = 9) of
Hawaiian monk seals at Midway Atoll from April 3
to April 27, 1995.

Mean number of Standard

Size/Sex individuals deviation
Adults 5.1 2.4

Male 1.3 0.9

Female 3.8 1.9

Unknown 0.0 0.0
Subadults

Male

Female 1.

Unknown QO.
Juveniles

Male

Female

Unknown .
Pups

Male

Female

Unknown 1.
Nonpup Total 11.7 2.4
Grand Total 16.0 3.1



TABLES



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CHAPTER 7. THE HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL AT
KURE ATOLL, 1995

Lucy W. Keith and R. Lance Jeffery



TABLES



112

10 = 100% molted, freshly molted, required for the first
month after molt. Put both digits of the 10 in the
single box provided.

? column:
0 = seal is definitely not molting
1 = seal is molting, but % molt estimate is questionable. May
or may not include an estimate in the molt column
DISTURB The degree to which the seal may have been disturbed by
observer.
0 = no disturbance, or seal merely raised its head or looked at
observer - If column blank, 0 is assumed
ls seal vocalized, gestured, or moved <2 body lengths
2 seal alerted to observer and moved >2 body lengths
3 seal alerted to observer and fled into water
ASSOCIATION DATA Use continuation lines to record more than one

association. Don't record associations involving
turtles. Record detailed association data at Laysan and
Lisianski Islands in 1996. At other locations, record
mother-pup pairs and unusual events. At all locations
except Laysan and Lisianski Islands, the X code will be
filled in by computer to indicate that standard
association data was not recorded on Census or Atoll
Count.

Active associations

1) noted for all except behaviors between mother and nursing pup
2) must take place within 30 m of observer
3) subjects may be any distance apart

Spatial associations

LINE NO.

DIST.

BEHAVIOR

1) noted as observer comes abreast of the subject
2) individual seals
- mother-pup pair (N): any distance
- all others (L): distances <10 m away, record two nearest
neighbors in straight line of sight, can be on opposite
sides of a log.

Identity of the other seal in the association. Put its line
number here (note line number refers to within same census page
only) .

Closest distance during behavior
0 = body contact
l=<2mTMm
2= 2-5 m
3 = >5 m (>5 m but <10 m in the case of L behavior code)

Up to four behaviors may be recorded for each association, but N,
X, and Q should not appear together with other behaviors.
Behaviors B and M require distance = 0. With the exception of
Chases, Jousts, and Mounts, only record repetitive, sequential



LISIANSKI ISLAND,

CHAPTER 4. THE HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL ON

1995

Heather L. Johnston, Joy A. Seymour, and W. Chad

Leedy



65

Midway Atoll (lat. 28°15'N, long. 177°35‘W) has
historically been one of the major haulout and pupping locations
of the endangered Hawaiian monk seal, although current population
levels and pup production are low. This atoll is located 2,100
km northwest of Oahu in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (Fig.
1.1) and comprises a circular fringing reef approximately 9 km in
diameter, enclosing a lagoon and three permanent islands (Sand,
Spit, and Eastern Islands) inside the southern part of the reef
(Fig. 6.1). Eastern and Spit Islands are uninhabited. Sand
Island was the site of a U.S. Naval Air Facility until 1993 when
the facility was closed. The Navy is in the process of vacating
the atoll, and primary management authority will be transferred
to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) which has
maintained a refuge (Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge) at
the site since 1988.

Beach counts of the Hawaiian monk seal at Midway Atoll
averaged 56 animals in the late 1950s (Kenyon, 1972) but declined
severely by the late 1960s; a single seal was observed during an
aerial survey in 1968 (Kenyon 1972). From the late 1960s to the
late 1980s the population failed to recover, but recent
assessments suggest that recovery may be beginning due to an
influx of immigrants from nearby sites (Kure Atoll and Pearl and
Hermes Reef), and an increasing number of seals born on Midway
Atoll. The earlier counts indicate that the Midway population
has significant potential for growth, and recovery of this
population is an important management goal.

RESEARCH

Research was conducted by collaborating scientists during
March 31-April 28, and by the National Marine Fisheries Service
during August 4-18. Incidental observations were recorded by
USFWS personnel during the rest of the year. The perimeters of
the three permanent islands were divided into sectors using
artificial or natural landmarks. In 1995, research objectives
specific to Midway Atoll included the identification of all seals
in the resident population, estimation of the proportion
identified using sighting probability calculations, blood
sampling for a disease survey of the wild population, and tagging
pups and other untagged seals.

Censuses and Patrols

Atoll censuses (n = 9) were conducted every 3 d, on
average, from April 3 to April 27. Each atoll census began
between 1100 and 1310 Hawaii standard time, and ended between
1530 and 1700. All islands were censused on foot by one or two
persons. Beach counts of Sand Island (n = 8), Eastern Island
(n = 2), or Spit Island (n = 1) were conducted on non-atoll
census days during April 1-April 28 to identify and resight
seals.



SS OEOAoO] "EE LCT Ee aati,

33

Table 3.3.--Summary of tagged known-age seals born at Laysan
Island and resighted there in 1995.

Age Number originally Number resighted
(years) Sex tagged in 1995 |
12 Male 10 1
Female 10 6
11 Male 16 2
Female 13 5
10 Male 16 2 |
Female 14 5
3 Male 15 2
Female 17 2
8 Male 13 3
Female 15 5
7 Male 23 5
Female 17 3 |
6 Male 16 3 i
Female 13 3
5 Male 7 3
Female 9 3
4 Male 18 8
Female 13 8
3 Male 18 3
Female 14 5
2 Male 23 6
Female 14 5 |
1 Male 18 9 |
Female 29 20
i



TABLES



113

behaviors once (for example, if an animal approaches three times
in a row, code one A). If vocalizations occur, only code V once
(whether or not they are sequential).
1) individual seal
a) active behavior
A = approach/investigate/sniff/nudge
B = bite
Bl = bite, nip
B2 = bite, draws blood/breaks skin
Cc = chase
Cl = chase, <2 body lengths*
C2 = chase, >2 body lengths*
D = seal displaces another (see CONTEST RULES) *
F = flee
Fl = flee/move away, <2 body lengths
F2 = flee/move away, >2 body lengths move away
J = joust
J1 = joust <30 s*
J2 = joust >30 s* spar/fight*
M = mount/attempted
M1 = mount/attempted mount <30 s
M2 = mount/attempted mount >30 s

P = play*

R submissive roll/present ventral

Vv = vocalize

Z = cruising. A/S4 male only behavior (actual sex may be
unknown). Does not require a line number reference to

another seal, but may have one)

b) spatial association
N = mother-pup pair (any distance), does not imply actual
nursing behavior. This is the only association
recorded between mother-pup pairs.
L = association by location only (distance <10 m apart, for
all except mother-pup pairs)

c) optional codes
Ll = pair assoc.* A/S4 male actively defends an adult
female or immature of either sex (actual sex may be
unknown), or establishes a pair relationship with a
female or immature after displacing another male.

Code the Ll relationship before and after contest if
displacement occurs.

Q = loser*
Ww winner*
Y = tie*

Note: codes Q, W, and Y are used for A/S4 male-male contests only,
although the actual sexes may be unknown (in which case record as

though they were known to be males); see the attached CONTEST
RULES.

* requires a corresponding code on the line of the associated seal

C, Cl, C2.............F, Fl, or F2
Doses eee eee eee tenes -F, Fl, or F2



45

Table 4.1.--Summary statistics for censuses (n = 14) of Hawaiian
monk seals at Lisianski Island from April 21 to
July 8, 1995.

Mean number of Standard

Size/Sex individuals deviation
Adults 45.5 5.6

Male 19.7 5.2

Female 16.6 5.7

Unknown 9.2 6.3
Subadults 13.7

Male 6.4

Female 4.5

Unknown 2.9
Juveniles 7.5 2.2

Male 3.1 1.4

Female

Unknown 1.4 1.9
Pups 10.9

Male 4.4

Female 5.2

Unknown 1.2 1.2
Nonpup Total 66.7 7.0

Grand Total 77.6 9.1



93

Alcorn, D. J.
1984. The Hawaiian monk seal on Laysan Island: 1982. U.S.
Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo., NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFC-42, 37
Pp-

American Society of Mammalogists, Committee on Marine Mammals.
1967. Standard Measurements of Seals. J. Mammal. 48:459-
462.

Boness, D. J.
1990. Fostering behavior in Hawaiian monk seals: is there a
reproductive cost? Behav. Ecol. Sociobiol. 27:113-122.

DeMartini, E. E., F. A. Parrish, and J. D. Parrish.

1993. Temporal changes in reef prey populations at French
Frigate Shoals, NWHI: Implications for juvenile monk seal
(Monachus schauinslandi) predators. Honolulu Lab.,
Southwest Fish. Sci. Cent., Natl. Mar. Fish. Serv., NOAA,
Honolulu, HI 96822-2396, Southwest Fish. Cent. Admin. Rep.
H-93-06, 49 p.

Gilmartin, W. G. and T. Gerrodette.
1986. Hawaiian monk seal status and recovery potential at
Kure Atoll. Honolulu Lab., Southwest Fish. Cent., Natl.
Mar. Fish. Serv., NOAA, Honolulu, HI 96822-2396, Southwest
Fish. Cent. Admin. Rep. H-86-16, 26 p.

Hiruki, L. M., Gilmartin, W. G., Becker, B. L., and Stirling, I.
1993. Wounding in Hawaiian monk seals (Monachus
schauinslandi). Can. J. Zool. 71:458-468.

Johanos, T. C. and Kam, A. K. H.
1986. The Hawaiian monk seal on Lisianski Island: 1983.
U.S. Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo., NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFC-58,
37 p.

Johanos, T. C., A. K. H. Kam, and R. G. Forsyth.
1987. The Hawaiian monk seal on Laysan Island: 1984. U.S.
Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo. NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFC-70, 38 Pp.

Kenyon, K. W.
1972. Man versus the monk seal. J. of Mammal. 53 (4) :687-
696.

Lombard, K. B., B. L. Becker, M. P. Craig, G. C. Spencer, and K.
Hague -Bechard.
1994. The Hawaiian monk seal on Laysan Island, 1990. U.S.
Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo. NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFSC-206, 16
Pp.



The endangered Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi)
hauls out and breeds in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, (NWHI,
Fig. 1.1). The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is the
lead agency responsible for the recovery of the Hawaiian monk
seal. Each year the Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Honolulu
Laboratory, NMFS Marine Mammal Reseach Program conducts studies
at the main breeding sites to provide information necessary to
evaluate (1) the status and trends of the monk seal populations,
(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 Marine Mammal Research Program began research on
Hawaiian monk seals at most major reproductive sites in the NWHI
during 1981 (Kure Atoll, Laysan Island, and Lisianski Island) and
1982 (French Frigate Shoals (FFS) and Pearl and Hermes Reef).
Nearly every year thereafter, field camps of several days to
9 months were established to monitor and enhance the recovery of
this species. Limited population monitoring has also been
conducted at Midway Atoll, where current pup production is well
below historical levels, and at Nihoa and Necker Islands, where
pup production is spacially limited by availability of haulout
area. Reports summarizing past NMFS research are listed in
Appendix A.

In 1995, the objectives of Hawaiian monk seal research were
to (1) conduct beach counts (censuses), (2) tag weaned pups and
immature seals for permanent identification, (3) identify other
seals by previously applied tags and by natural or applied
markings, (4) monitor reproduction, survival, injuries,
entanglements, interatoll movements, disappearances, and deaths,
(5) perform necropsies, (6) collect scat and spew samples for
food habit analysis, (7) collect tissue samples for DNA analysis
of paternity patterns and genetic variation within and among
populations, and (8) inventory, sample, and destroy debris
capable of entangling seals. Location-specific objectives and
summaries of data collected during the 1995 field season are
described in the following chapters. Much of the information
presented in this memorandum is incorporated into larger data
sets for additional analysis and publication elsewhere.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Censuses and Patrols

The primary means of data collection were censuses and
patrols. Censuses consisted of timed, standardized beach counts
during which an entire island or atoll was surveyed for seals.
Although data were collected on all seals, those that were in the
water, captive, or dead were excluded from the beach count
totals. Identified individuals were counted only once if they
were resighted during the survey. The resulting counts did not
reflect total population size but provided an index of population



iv

1980 1984 1988 1992 1996

250:
200+ r
g
g 1504 r
Z100]
Bio a
507 opstimate r
0 + + +
2
§ 6004 t
oa
© 1 4504 r
$8 FFS
5 2 3004 r
ie)
8 oN L
g 1501 opetimate —S
0 + +
i]
8 604
oe Adults:
3 404
1 Subadults
3 20 + Juveniles L
a

0 : + |
1980 1984 1988 1992 1996
Year

Fig. 1. Demographic trends of the Hawaiian monk seal, based on
the main reproductive sites (excluding Midway Atoll). a) Number
of pups born. b) Total of mean beach counts excluding pups. c)
Portion of the counts comprised of adults, subadults, and
juveniles.

First, 12 weaned female pups were collected from French Frigate
Shoals and trasnported to Oahu for rehabilitation to salvage
reproductive potential otherwise lost with the high mortality of
immature seals. Second, 7 rehabilitated yearling females,
collected from French Frigate Shoals in 1994, were released at
Kure Atoll to enhance the recovery of its long-depleted
population. Third, debris capable of entangling seals was
removed from all study sites and 10 entangled seals were
disentangled by field biologists.



40

RESULTS
Population Abundance and Composition

The means (+ SD) for 14 censuses were 77.6 seals (+ 9.1)
including pups, and 66.7 seals (+ 7.0) excluding pups (Table
4.1). The total spring-summer population was 219 individuals, 197
excluding pups (Table 4.2). The sex ratios of nonpup immature
seals and adults were ca. 1:2:1 (37 males:32 females) and 1.6:1
(79 males:49 females), respectively. The sex ratio for older
adults (>13 years of age) was strongly skewed toward males at ca.
2.6:1 (47 males:18 females), whereas the ratio for younger adults
(s13 years of age) was ca. 1.0:1 (32 males:31 females). The
numbers of tagged known-age seals born at Lisianski Island during
the period from 1982 to 1994 and resighted there in 1995, are
summarized in Table 4.3.

Reproduction

At least 22 pups were born; 17 were weaned, 3 died prior to
weaning, and 2 were still nursing at the end of this study (Table
4.4a). Nursing periods and measurements of weaned pups are
summarized in Table 4.4b. Twenty-two of 49 (45%) adult-sized
females were parturient. At least six pup exchanges occurred
between eight nursing females; researchers observed none of these
incidents.

Interatoll Movement

Interatoll movement was documented for eight seals that
made eight movements between Lisianski Island and either Laysan
Island or Pearl and Hermes Reef (Tables 4.5a and b).

Factors Affecting Survival

Attacks by large sharks, mounting attempts by males,
entanglement, emaciation, and unknown factors led to 17 life-
threatening conditions, which resulted in the confirmed deaths of
5 animals and the probable deaths of 2 other seals (Table 4.6).
Incidents of adult male aggression were not observed, and no
seals were known to have died following male mounting incidents.
Five seals were entangled: one escaped independently and four
were released by observers. In addition to the cases summarized
in Table 4.6, a prematurely weaned male pup, in deteriorating
condition at the end of the field season, probably did not



76

Table 6.6.--Factors affecting Hawaiian monk seal survival at
Midway Atoll in 1995.

Outcome

Size Sex Total Injured Died Probably died

Attack by Large Shark

(none observed)

Mounting by Male

(none observed)

Entanglement i

Subadult Male 1° ie) 0 0
Female 1? 0 0 0
Juvenile Female 1? (0) lo) te) |

*Seal released by observers.



Table 7.3.--Summary of tagged known-age seals born at Kure Atoll

87

and resighted there in 1995.

Age Number originally Number resighted
(years) Sex tagged in 1995
14 Male 3 2

Female 5 1
13 Male 1 0
Female 3 2
12 Male 4 2
Female 0 NA
11 Male 4 1
Female 2 2
10 Male 2 1
Female 3 2
9 Male 1 1
Female 0 NA
8 Male 1 1
Female 3 2
7 Male 2 2
Female 5 2
6 Male 5 3
Female 4 1
5 Male 3 0
Female 3 2
4 Male 7 4
Female 6 4
3 Male 5 4
Female 8 4
2 Male 9 5
Female 4 2
1 Male 3 (0)
Female i} NA



NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS

ENT OF GG

%,

JUNE 1997

ne DEp
yt “4p

&

<7
& >
Re, Ay ao?

Stare otTM

THE HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL IN THE
NORTHWESTERN HAWAIIAN ISLANDS, 1995

Compiled and Edited by

Thea C. Johanos
Timothy J. Ragen

NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFSC-241

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Marine Fisheries Service

Southwest Fisheries Science Center



TYPE

117

CODES CONTENT
COLUMN

3 Condition, code U (unreadable) if cannot
use tag to ID seal (i.e. if broken so
number gone). Also code U for a PIT tag
if you completely scan for it but get no
reading. Combine the L or U codes with
the tag questionable code of 8. Code
more than one condition using
continuation lines.

= broken

= faded color

= good

= tag lost

= no/partial resin

= other

= pulling out

= unreadable

= tag side reversed

= no. worn /abraded

z<cqwvozrany

Additional notes:

All original monk seal data should be coded in pencil. Never erase data
once you have left the recording site. Instead, cross errors out with a
single line. Field editing is editing before running the data entry and
checking program. All field editing by the data collector should be in
blue, and field editing by others should be in red. As soon as you
begin the entry and checking program, the computer will assign the
computer page number and display it on the screen. At this point, be
Sure to fill it in on you census form. All editing after this point
should be in orange. After completing the entry and checking program,
check off and initial the ENTERED box on the census form.

A separate data sheet should be filled out for each date, observer, data -
type, and island within an atoll. If no seals are present, you should
still fill out the information at the top of the census form and write
"No seals" in the data area (only enter the header information). If the
island itself is not present, indicate this by using 99 for the sector
code, leaving the rest of the (first) line blank. To save paper, you
should use a census form with multiple headers if you only have a few
seals to record (i.e., at some islands within an atoll, or when
recording incidental sightings before or after census or patrol). In
essence, on a census form with multiple headers, each header and its
associated lines represents a separate data sheet.

If two people conduct the census, they should have the same weather and
the same begin and end time (i.e., both begin at the same time and
place, and proceed in opposite directions until they meet on the other
side of the island or islet) and combine pages into one set. Patrols
may be conducted by more than one observer, but page sets are not
combined, and header information may differ. Patrol observers should



iii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In 1995, field studies of the endangered Hawaiian monk seal
(Monachus schauinslandi) were conducted at all of its main
reproductive sites in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. These
studies provide information necessary to evaluate (1) the status
and trends of monk seal populations, (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.

Results of these studies are best described on a site-by-
site basis, and the information presented in this document is
organized accordingly. Pooled site-specific data, however,
provides useful indices of the status and trends of the whole
species, including the total number of pups at the main
reproductive sites, the total of the site-specific mean beach
counts, and the size composition of the seals observed during the
counts (Fig. 1).

Since 1983, the number of pups born at the main reproductive
sites (excluding Midway Atoll) has been highly variable, and the
variability has been largely determined by the number born at
French Frigate Shoals (Fig. la), the largest population. In 1995,
176 pups were counted at these sites, 73 of which were born at
French Frigate Shoals (the lowest number recorded at this site
since monitoring began in the early 1980s). Increased pupping at
other sites compensated, at least partially, for the decline at
French Frigate Shoals.

Mean beach counts from the main reproductive sites (again,
excluding Midway Atoll), totaled 384 seals excluding pups,
slightly greater than in 1993 (counts were not conducted at all
locations in 1994). Here, too, counts at French Frigate Shoals
declined considerably, but the decline at this site was
compensated for by increases at Pearl and Hermes Reef and Kure
Atoll.

Finally, the composition of the counts remained largely
skewed toward adults. Since the mid 1980s, adults have comprised
a growing portion of the animals counted. This shift in
composition bodes poorly for reproduction in the near future if
older adult females are not replaced by young females reaching
reproductive age. The overall impact from this shift in
composition will be determined by the magnitude of its change and
the length of time that the resulting skewed distribution
persists, neither of which can be reliably predicted at this
time. High mortality of immature seals appears to be a major
factor leading to the shift in composition, particularly at
French Frigate Shoals and Laysan Island.



118

attempt to start at roughly the same time. The sum of all observers'
patrol activity for a day should result in one complete island count.

Weather information (except temperature) should be a summary of the
entire day up until the end of the census or patrol, not merely an
instantaneous observation.

Make a new original line (i.e. do not use continuation lines) for a seal
each time that you come abreast of it on census or patrol. If the seal
is identified, it will not be counted twice on census. To link two
sightings of an unidentified seal (i.e. a cruiser moving ahead of you on
census), assign it a unique temporary number in a series reserved for
unidentified seals.

Only code the sex as known if the ventral is seen or if the seal is the
mother in a mother/pup pair, even if you "know" the sex because of the
tag, bleach, scars, or behavior.

Record all tag sightings explicitly (i.e., both left and right tag
numbers) at least once during your stay. When a pup is tagged, record
the animal handling event on the census data sheet, and record detailed
information (such as all tag numbers) on a Tagging/Handling card. If a
seal is identified via a tag, it is not necessary to determine and enter
its ID number on the census form. The ID number can be determined by
computer later.

Be sure to code the original tag color, not the color that a tag has
faded to. See the Tag Sample Kit in the Bible.

Original tag color: Faded tag may appear:

Temple Tags:
Light Tan (A,T,K,L series @ Laysan).
Dark Tan/Brown (later series @ Laysan).
Gray (A,T,K,L,N,F,U,G series @ Kure) .
Silver Gray (600-900,0,Z and later @ Kure) .
Red.
Yellow..
Green (dark forest). sees
Blue (light)....... bees

..Gray, Lt. Yellow, White
Red

Light Tan

Metal

+eeeee. Orange

..White, Lt. Yellow
...Dark Blue, Navy

Riese Tags (colors almost completely faded- just note presence if you
can ID by other means) :

White............... . Yellow
Red.. . . ...Orange
Orange . ...Red
Yellow . ..-White
Green . . ..-Blue
Blue.. . ...Green

Always record disturbance. Fill out a census form to document
disturbance if you disturb a seal when you are not otherwise collecting
data. On a census or atoll count, it is also assumed that condition and
molt data will be taken. At locations other than Laysan and Lisianski



UTP == ET TCSII OEIC ae tateetestaati,

26

were collected from both dead seals. In total, 581 pieces of
potentially entangling debris were inventoried and destroyed.

Noteworthy Events

Translocated Adult Males

Twenty-two adult male seals were collected from Laysan |
Island in 1994; one male died shortly after capture and the
remaining twenty-one males were translocated to the main Hawaiian
Islands. None of the translocated males had migrated back to
Laysan Island, nor were they seen elsewhere in the Northwestern |
Hawaiian Islands in 1995.

|

Oiled Seals

Twelve of 17 seals observed with oiled pelage on Laysan
Island in the spring of 1993 were sighted there in 1995. These
seals appeared to be in good health, but sublethal or long-term
effects could not be evaluated. Of the five not sighted in 1995,
one was also not seen in 1994, and one, an adult male, was
translocated to the main Hawaiian Islands in 1994.

RESULTS
Population Abundance and Composition

The means (+ SD) for 13 censuses were 92.0 seals (+ 10.3)
including pups, and 69.5 seals (+ 10.0) excluding pups (Table
3.1). The total spring-summer population was 252 individuals,
209 excluding pups (Table 3.2). The sex ratios of nonpup
immature seals and adults were ca. 0.8:1 (31 males:40 females)
and 1.0:1 (68 males:70 females), respectively. The sex ratio for
older adults (>12 years of age) was slightly skewed toward males
at ca. 1.1:1 (41 males:37 females), whereas the ratio for younger
adults (s12 years of age) was ca. 0.8:1 (27 males:33 females).
The numbers of tagged known-age seals born at Laysan Island
during the period from 1983 to 1994 and resighted there in 1995
are summarized in Table 3.3.

Reproduction

At least 43 pups were born: 37 were weaned, 5 died prior to
weaning, and 1 pup was still nursing at the end of the study |
(Table 3.4a). Nursing periods and measurements of weaned pups i
are summarized in Table 3.4b. Forty-three of 70 (61%) adult- t
sized females were parturient. At least nine pup exchanges
occurred between fourteen nursing females; one exchange was
observed. Three unusual temporary weanings (i.e., a nursing
female abandoned her pup, and then returned) were documented.



APPENDIXES



89

Table 7.5a.--Known movement of Hawaiian monk seals to Kure Atoll

from other locations in 1995, summarized by
movements between two locations. Some seals made
more than one trip.

Original location Number, size, and sex class
Pearl and Hermes Reef 1 subadult male
Midway Atoll 3 adult males,

2 adult females

Table 7.5b.--Known movement of Hawaiian monk seals from Kure
Atoll to other locations in 1995, summarized by
movements between two locations. Some seals made
more than one trip.

Destination Number, size, and sex class

Pearl and Hermes Reef adult male,
adult females,

juvenile male

Pee

Midway Atoll adult males,
adult females,

subadult female

BPNN



identification (Stone, 1984), using the solution described in
Johanos et al. (1987). Molting seals were re-marked to maintain
their identities. At Laysan Island, nursing pups were also
bleached prior to molt.

Tags, scars, natural markings, and any applied bleach marks
were sketched on an individual scar card, which was revised
throughout the field season to maintain a current description of
the identifying marks of each seal. Photographs of scars and
natural markings were added to individual identification files
begun during 1981 or 1982.

Population size and composition were determined at locations
where all seals were identified; partial composition was
determined where all seals within certain size and sex classes
were identified. These statistics included all individuals seen
alive at the location during the interval from March through
August and all pups born during the year. Captive seals were
included if they were released in the current year. If a seal
was seen at more than one location during March-August, it was
included in the population where it was first seen unless it
pupped at another location. A parturient female was always
included in the population where it pupped, if it was seen there
anytime during March-August.

The movement of seals between island or atoll populations
confounds the estimation of population size and composition when
the study period is short (i.e., less than one month). This is
particularly true at Midway Atoll, where a number of the observed
seals were tagged at other locations (primarily Kure Atoll and
Pearl and Hermes Reef). These seals may be transient visitors,
and additional study is needed to distinguish them from seals
that reside at Midway Atoll.

Measurements of Seals

Pups were measured to determine their condition as soon
after weaning as possible, their growth patterns, and the
relation between size and survival. Measurements were taken as
soon after weaning as possible and included straight dorsal
length (Winchell, 1990) and axillary girth (American Society of
Mammalogists, 1967).

Collection of Samples

Samples were collected for DNA analysis, pathology analysis,
investigation of food habits, and documentation of marine debris.
Tissue samples for DNA analysis were collected during tagging
efforts for all newly tagged or retagged seals, and during
necropsies on recently dead seals. The primary objectives of
genetic analyses are to investigate paternity patterns and
determine genetic variability within and among populations.



54

The numbers of tagged known-age seals born at Pearl and
Hermes Reef during the period from 1983 to 1994 and resighted
there in 1995 are summarized in Table 5.3.

Reproduction
At least 27 pups were born, and all survived to weaning
(Table 5.4). Measurements of weaned pups are summarized in Table
5.4.

Interatoll Movement

Interatoll movement was documented for 15 seals that made
19 movements between Pearl and Hermes Reef and either Kure Atoll,
Laysan Island, Lisianski Island, or Midway Atoll (Tables 5.5a and
b).

Factors Affecting Survival

Entanglement, mounting attempts by males, and unknown
factors resulted in three life-threatening conditions (Table
5.6). In addition to the incidents presented in Table 5.6, a
juvenile female seal was observed to have acquired an
entanglement scar since 1993. The mummified skull of a subadult
was found on Little North Island, and skeletal remains and pelage
of an adult seal were found awash in association with a pile of
debris at Southeast Island, but it is not known if these seals
died in 1995.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We thank the captain, officers, and crew of the NOAA Ship
Townsend Cromwell and the M/V Glorita for their logistical
support. We also acknowledge the support of the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, Hawaiian Island National Wildlife Refuge staff.



SEAL CENSUS FORM

COMPUTER PAGE NO.

g
B

CENSUSFMGED Rev. 3/93



78

‘SpUeTSI UeTTeMeH UTeASOMYAION SYR UT [TOIJW eANy “TL “Htd

ABT o8LT 107 12

+ be

N97
o8C



34

Table 3.4a.--Summary of Hawaiian monk seals born at Laysan Island

in 1995.
Number of pups
Event Male Female Unknown Total
Born 18 23 2 43
Died prior to weaning 2 2? 1 5
Still nursing 0 0) 1 : 1
Weaned 16° 21° 0 37
Tagged 16 a1 0 37

“Includes one pup born after the field season.
»Includes one pup weaned and tagged after the NMFS camp.

Table 3.4b.--Summary of nursing periods and measurements of
weaned pups at Laysan Island in 1995. Nursing
periods were calculated where both birth and weaning
date ranges were <4 d. All measurements were taken
within 2 weeks after weaning.

Nursing period Axillary Straight dorsal
(d) girth (cm) length (cm)
Mean 35.3 102.8 124.4
St. Dev. 4.0 5.2 4.9

n 28 34 34



48

Table 4.4a.--Summary of Hawaiian monk seals born at Lisianski
Island in 1995.

Number of pups

Event Male Female Unknown Total
Born 10 10 2 22
Died prior to weaning 1 0 2 3
Still nursing 2 te) 0 2
Weaned 7 10 ie) 17
Tagged 7 10 (0) 17

Table 4.4b.--Summary of nursing periods and measurements of
weaned pups at Lisianski Island in 1995. Nursing
periods were calculated where both birth and weaning
date ranges were s4 days. All measurements were
taken within 2 weeks after weaning, and include two
prematurely weaned male pups that nursed 17 and 24

d.
Nursing period Axillary Straight dorsal
(a) girth (cm) length (cm)
Mean 33.9 101.4 121.6
St. Dev. 10.1 12.4 8.5

n 9 14 14



53

Pearl and Hermes Reef (lat. 27°55'N, long. 175°45'W) is one
of the major haulout and pupping locations of the Hawaiian monk
seal. This atoll is located ca. 1,900 km northwest of Oahu in
the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, and is part of the Hawaiian
Islands National Wildlife Refuge (Fig. 1.1). Pearl and Hermes is

composed of four vegetated and three nonvegetated sand islands
enclosed in a fringing reef (Fig. 5.1).

RESEARCH

Research was conducted by the National Marine Fisheries
Service during July 16-August 31. Incidental data was also
collected on a single day, May 15. The perimeters of the four
larger vegetated islands were divided into sectors using natural
landmarks. In 1995, the research objective for the Pearl and
Hermes monk seal population was to conduct basic population
research as outlined in Chapter 1.

Censuses and Patrols

Atoll censuses (n = 10) were conducted every 3 d, on
average, during July 25-August 24, beginning at 1000 Hawaiian
Standard Time and continuing for approximately 6 h. All islands
were censused on foot by one or two persons. In addition,
incidental patrols were conducted opportunistically to resight
seals tagged in previous years.

Individual Identification

A total of 230 individuals (203 excluding pups) were
identified by existing or applied tags, scars, or natural
markings. All weaned pups (n = 27) were tagged with Temple Tags
and passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags. Twenty-five
immature seals (10 male, 15 female) were also tagged with Temple
Tags and PIT tags.

Collection of Samples

Sixty-five scat and spew samples were collected. Tissue
samples were collected from 52 seals during tagging. Two
skeletal samples were collected. In total, 678 pieces of
potentially entangling debris were inventoried and destroyed.

RESULTS
Population Abundance and Composition

The means (+ SD) for ten atoll censuses were 91.3 seals
(+ 15.0) including pups, and 80.8 seals (+ 13.0) excluding pups
(Table 5.1). The total summer population was 225 individuals,
198 excluding pups (Table 5.2). The sex ratios of nonpup
immature seals and adults were 1.1:1 (47 males:41 females) and
1.0:1 (56 males:54 females), respectively.



eee
49

Table 4.5a.--Known movement of Hawaiian monk seals to Lisianski
Island from other locations in 1995, summarized by

movements between two locations. No seals made
more than one trip.

Original location Number, size, and sex class

Laysan Island 3 adult females,
1 subadult female,
1 juvenile male
Pearl and Hermes Reef adult female,
subadult female

BR

Table 4.5b.--Known movement of Hawaiian monk seals from Lisianski
Island to other locations in 1995, summarized by
movements between two locations. No seals made
more than one trip.

Destination Number, size, and sex class

Laysan Island 1 subadult female



81

Interatoll Movement

Interatoll movement was documented for 13 seals that made
17 movements between Kure Atoll and either Pearl and Hermes Reef
or Midway Atoll (Table 7.5a and b).

Factors Affecting Survival

Mounting attempts by male seals and entanglement in debris
resulted in three life-threatening conditions (Table 7.6). A
post-mobbing aggregation of males was observed around an injured
adult female. Two seals were entangled: a weaned pup was
released by observers, and a nursing pup freed itself from net in
the water.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We acknowledge the support of the State of Hawaii,
Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry
and Wildlife, and the Aids to Navigation Branch of the 14th Coast
Guard District, Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point. We thank
the captains and crew of the M/V Glorita and the NOAA ship
Townsend Cromwell for logistical support and for transport to and
from Kure Atoll. Special thanks are extended to Gordon Olayvar
(State of Hawaii, Division of Forestry and Wildlife) for data
collection; and to Steve Barclay (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge), Dave Smith (State of
Hawaii, Division of Forestry and Wildlife), and John Henderson
for field assistance at Kure.



94

Stone, H. |S.

1984 Hawaiian monk seal population research, Lisianski
Teiand, 1982. U.S. Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo. NOAA-
TM-NMFS-SWFC-47, 33 p.

Winchell, JJ.

1990, Field manual for phocid necropsies (specifically
Monachus schauinslandi). U.S. Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech.
Memo. NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFSC-146, 55 p.

i



41

survive. The skeleton of a dead subadult was found; this seal
had died of unknown causes since the 1994 field season.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We acknowledge the support of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge staff. We
thank the captain, officers and crew of the NOAA ship Townsend
Cromwell and the M/V Glorita for logistical assistance.



SEAL CENSUS FORM

ENTERED
DATA TYPE COMPUTER PAGE NO. PAGE OF
ISLAND OBSERVER TIME BEGIN END
DATE NUMBER TEMP. WIND CLOUD Prec.

:
E
2
i

CENSUSFMGED Rev. 3/93



NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS

This TM series is used for documentation and timely communication of preliminary results, interim reports, or special
Purpose information. The TMs have not received complete formal review, editorial control, or detailed editing.

THE HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL IN THE
NORTHWESTERN HAWAIIAN ISLANDS, 1995

Compiled and Edited by

Thea C. Johanos
Timothy J. Ragen

Honolulu Laboratory, SWFSC
National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA
2570 Dole Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96822-2396

NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFSC-241

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
William M. Daley, Secretary

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
D. James Baker, Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere

National Marine Fisheries Service
Rolland A. Schmitten, Assistant Administrator for Fisheries

JUNE 1997



H = handling of wild seal

P = photo

aN
An w

115

to record the most appropriate factor
type if more than one applies.

D = death

W = wound

E = entanglement

V = very thin (emaciated)
I illness/abnormal

M = mobbing/harassment

Participant type (for mobbings/
harassments only)

V = victim/subject

M = male aggressor

FOR SEAL CAPTURES OR RELEASES, RECORD
DETAILS ON EITHER THE CAPTURE OR RELEASE
FORM. OTHERWISE, RECORD DETAILS ON THE
TAGGING/HANDLING CARD.

Handling type

tagging (w/ restraint)
measuring (includes weighing)
all (both tagging and
measuring)

remote tagging

disentangle

instrument

bleeding

capture

free/release from captivity
other

ca
" aw

ONQWHOUW
u

RECORD IMPORTANT DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY
NON-SEAL PHOTOS IN HAND- WRITTEN NOTES,
AND TRANSFER TO THE PHOTO COMMENT FORM.

Type of photo

S= slide

Ps print
Roll number (pad with zeros)
Frame number (pad with zeros)

Side
Les left lateral or flipper
Re right lateral or flipper
De dorsal side
Ve ventral side



67

seals and thereby provide a more reliable measure of abundance at
Midway Atoll.

The numbers of tagged known-age seals born at Midway Atoll
during the period from 1988 to 1994 and resighted there in 1995
are summarized in Table 6.3.

Reproduction

At least nine pups were born, and all survived to weaning
(Table 6.4a). Measurements of weaned pups are summarized in
Table 6.4b.

Interatoll Movement

Interatoll movement was documented for twelve seals that
made 18 movements between Midway Atoll and either Pearl and
Hermes Reef or Kure Atoll (Tables 6.5a and b).

Factors Affecting Survival

Entanglement led to three life-threatening conditions
(Table 6.6). Two subadults (one male, one female) and one
juvenile female were entangled and released by observers.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We acknowledge the support of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. Special thanks
are extended to Nanette W. H. Seto, Biologist, and Kenneth R.
Niethammer, Refuge Manager. We also thank the officers and crew
of the NOAA ship Townsend Cromwell for logistical assistance.



52

“SpueTSI UeTTeEMeH UTEeISeMYIION Oy UT Jooy sowTeH pue Treeq “T'S “Hta

MSb SLI 0S 15S
t t t
1 Aseuaty_
J Aros Y-182g + asp
+ 00S
_L NSS
ole



CONDITION

ID DATA

110

X= data not taken

It is assumed that condition is recorded for all seals (except
nursing pups) on census or atoll count. Always record the
condition of the mom and pup on their first sighting post-partum
and post-weaning, regardless of data type. Always note condition
when recording a survival factor.

Condition codes;

M = medium

P = probably pregnant
F = fat

T = thin

X = data not taken

If the condition code is left blank, condition is assumed to be
medium.

These fields can be used to record either a temporary or permanent
ID number. Use continuation lines to record both a temporary and
permanent number, or two temporary numbers.

T/P Indicate whether the number in the subsequent field is a temporary or
permanent ID number.

T = temporary ID number (or bleach number)
P = permanent ID number

TEMPORARY ID NO. Record the temporary ID number (or bleach number) of seal

? column:

if known; right justified. This field may be used for any
temporary number. Use separate number series for bleach and
various types of temporary numbers. If a number is
incompletely read, use dashes as place-holders within the
number to indicate missing digits (e.g., incompletely read
bleach 152 may be coded -52, 1-2, or 15-).

oO = seal is definitely unmarked; can coexist with a temporary
number, or with a bleach number if bleach hasn't taken yet
or the number has molted off

1= bleach is present, but the number is questionable
4 = partially read bleach number completed from other data
5 = incompletely read bleach number, but partial data are

certain (if seal can't be identified by ID or Tag #)
blank = number is certain and complete if present

PERMANENT ID NO. Record the 4 digit permanent ID number of seal if known (put

? column:

both the island-specific prefix and next digit in the first
box provided) .

O= seal is definitely not an IDed animal



22

Table 2.6.--Factors affecting Hawaiian monk seal survival at
French Frigate Shoals in 1995. Does not include
captive seals.

Outcome

Size | Sex Total Injured Died Probably died
Attack by Large Shark

Adult ‘Male 3 1 ce)
| Female 6 6 1 0

Subadult 'Male 1 1 0 (0)
| Female 1 1 0 0

Juvenile ‘Female 1 1 (0) 0

Weaned pup | Female 1 1 (0) 0

Nursing pup Male 1 1 1 0

Mounting by Males

Adult ‘Female 1 1 to) 0

Subadult 1 1 0 0

Weaned pup |Male 2 2 0 0
‘Female 4? 3 1 te)
| Emaciation

Adult ‘Male 1 0 1 0
‘Female 1 Oo 1 i)

Juvenile 'Male 3 0 3 0
‘Female 6 0 4 2
| Other/Unknown

Adult Male 2 2 0 0

Juvenile [Male ‘ 2 (0) 2 ie)

Weaned pup Male 2 1 0 1

Nursing pup Male 6 1 4 2
‘Female 1 0 ce) 1
[Unknown 9 0 2 7

*One adult male attempted to copulate with a weaned female pup in
very shallow water, nearly drowning her in the process. She was
drowned by an adult male in a later unobserved incident.



18

Table 2.2.--Composition of the Hawaiian monk seal population at
French Frigate Shoals during the spring and summer of
1995. Includes all pups born during the calendar
year. Dashed lines indicate that the number of ‘seals
in a size-sex class was undetermined.

Number of seals

Sex ratio
Size Male Female Unknown Total male: female
Adults -- -- -- 77 --
Subadults 16 20 0 36 0.8:1
Juveniles 20 32 0 52 0.6:1
Pups 38° 27° 8c 73 1.4:1

Nonpup Tota

Grand Total

1 -- --

"Three neonatal pup deaths.
’Number includes 12 weaned pups collected

1995.

°‘Two neonatal pup deaths.

for rehabilitation in



114

..d, J1, and d2 respectively
. . +P
se eeee ee DL

2) nothing nearby
O = no behavior or association

3) no data
X = no association data recorded on Census or Atoll Count

NOTES--There is room to code 2 different notes. Always use the first column
first. Code an H if you have handwritten notes on the observation. Put
handwritten notes on the bottom of the census form, labeled by line number.

If more than two note codes apply, use continuation lines.
A= artwork (scars drawn)
B= birth, 1st sighting post-partum (mom and pup)
Ge seal is green with algae
H handwritten notes
Ms marked, bleach number 1st applied/re-applied post-molt
Ww weaning, 1st sighting post-weaning (pup)
x pup exchange, 1st sighting after exchange (mom and pup)
Y= disturbance is to "bystander" seal during non-survey activity such

as tagging. .

FOR DATA TYPE "T", STATUS OF NON-ACTIVE TAGS:
F = found
R = recovered from seal in hand

EVENT These columns are used to record a variety of data. The codes used will
depend upon the type of event that you wish to record. Left justify
your coding:

TYPE CODES CONTENT
COLUMN

F = survival factor ONLY RECORD RESIGHT OF A SURVIVAL FACTOR
AS AN EVENT IF THERE ARE IMPORTANT
CHANGES TO DOCUMENT, SUCH AS A NEW
WOUND, HEALING, DEATH, ETC.

1-3 Survival Factor number
4 Factor Type. If seal dead, always
record factor type "D" on ORIGINAL LINE.
For mobbings/ harassments, always code
TYPE CODES CONTENT

COLUMN
a census entry with factor type "M" for
the victim at the beginning and end of
the incident. Otherwise, you only need



32

Table 3.2.--Composition of the Hawaiian monk seal population at
Laysan Island during the spring and summer of 1995.
Includes all pups born during the calendar year.

Number of seals

. Sex ratio
Size Male Female Unknown Total male: female
Adults 68 70 0 138 1.0:1
Subadults 19 17 te) 36 1.1:1
Juveniles 12 23 0 35 0.5:1
Pups 18° 23° 2p 43 0.8:1
Nonpup Total 99 110 0 209 0.9:1
Grand Total 117 133 2 252 0.9:1

*Two neonatal pup deaths.
One neonatal pup death.



RECENT TECHNICAL MEMORANDUMS

Copies of this and other NOAA Technical Memorandums are available from the National Technical
Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22167. Paper copies vary in price. Microfiche
copies cost $9.00. Recent issues of NOAA Technical Memorandums from the NMFS Southwest Fisheries
Science Center are listed below:

NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFSC- 231 Coastal upwelling indices, west coast of America 1946-1995.

F.B. SCHWING, M. O’FARRELL, J. STEGER, and K. BLATZ
(September 1996)

232 The physical oceanography off the central California coast during
May-June 1995: A summary of CTD data from pelagic juvenile
rockfish surveys.

K.M. SAKUMA, F.B. SCHWING, K. BALTZ, D. ROBERTS,
H.A. PARKER, and S. RALSTON
(September 1996)

233 Abundance of cetaceans in California waters based on 1991 and
1993 ship surveys.
J. BARLOW and T. GERRODETTE
(September 1996)

234 Fixed costs and joint cost allocation in the management of
Pacific Whiting.
J. TERRY, G. SYLVIA, D. SQUIRES, W. SILVERTHORNE,
J. SEGER, G. MONRO, R. MARASCO, D. LARSON, J. GAUVIN,
A.B. GAUTAM, S. FREESE, and R. BALDWIN
(September 1996)

235 Ichthyoplankton vertical distributions near Oahu, Hawai'i, 1985-1986:
Data Report.
G.W. BOEHLERT AND B.C. MUNDY
(December 1996)

236 Application of acoustic and archival tags to assess estuarine, nearshore,
and offshore habitat utilization and movement by salmonids.
G.W. BOEHLERT
(March 1997)

237 Status of the pacific sardine (Sardinops sagax) resource in 1996.
J.T. BARNES, M. YAREMKO, L. JACOBSON, N.C.H. LO,
and J. STEHLY
(April 1997)

238 Manual for OTO 3.0 and OPS programs for reading daily increments.
J. BUTLER and E. MOKSNESS
(April 1997)

239 Changing oceans and changing fisheries: Environmental data for
fisheries research and management. A workshop.
G. BOEHLERT and J.D. SCHUMACHER, (Editors)
(April 1997)

240 Documentation of California's commercial market sampling data entry
and expansion programs.
D.E. PEARSON and B. ERWIN
(April 1997)



SEE LLL EL atte

59

Table 5.3.--Summary of tagged known-age seals born at Pearl and
Hermes Reef and resighted there in 1995.

Age Number originally Number resighted |
(years) Sex tagged in 1995 |
12 Male 8 4
Female 2 1 i
11 Male 5 4 |
Female 8 2
10 Male 9 4 {
Female 6 3 |
9 Male 10 2
Female 7 5
Unknown 1 0
8 Male 14 9
Female 7 3 i
7 Male 12 10 i
Female 6 2 {
6 Male 8 6 i
Female 6 4 i
5 Male 5 4 |
Female 1 1 |
4 Male 10 9 {
Female a1 7 '
3 Male 13 10 ;
Female 10 i
2 Male 14 7
Female 7 5
1 Male > _

Female a —



121

HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL TEMPLE TAGS:
NUMBERING SCHEME AND HOLE DRILLING PATTERN FOR TAGS APPLIED TO WEANED PUPS

1982 | O50 a 1990 (67-7)
1983 (A23 D> 1991 (zZ-01:)
1984 (-T35 1992 (s-4.4 D
1985 (k18-p oe 1993 (x12.p
1986 | L69 tf 1994 (-05- D>
C11°

1987 | N36 8 1995

1988 1996 |, PO5

Jee

1989 | Uet-9



79

Kure Atoll (lat. 28°25'N, long. 178°10'W) is one of the
major haulout and pupping locations of the Hawaiian monk seal.
The atoll is located ca. 2,300 km northwest of Oahu in the
Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (Fig. 1.1) and is a seabird
sanctuary of the State of Hawaii. The atoll consists of a
circular fringing reef approximately 9 km in diameter, the
enclosed lagoon, one permanent vegetated island (Green Island),
two sand islets (Sand and Shark Islets), and a sometimes emergent
area known locally as Stark Reef (Fig. 7.1). Until 1992, Green
Island was the site of a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) LORAN station,
commissioned in 1961 and staffed by 20-30 USCG personnel. In
July 1992, this station was closed and vacated by the USCG,
leaving the atoll uninhabited. In 1993, the USCG completed
removal of buildings and other structures on Green Island.

RESEARCH

Research was conducted by the National Marine Fisheries
Service during May 16-July 11. The perimeter of Green Island was
divided into eight sectors, using artificial or natural
landmarks. In 1995, research objectives for the Kure Atoll monk
seal population included identification of all seals, evaluating
the success of past management efforts (primarily seal
introductions), and release of seals translocated from French
Frigate Shoals (FFS).

Censuses and Patrols

Atoll censuses (n = 12) were conducted approximately every
4 d, weather permitting, from May 19 to July 6. Each census
began between 1300 and 1400 Hawaii standard time and ended
between 1445 and 1600. All islands were censused on foot by one
or two persons. Stark Reef was not emergent during the 1995
field season. Patrols were conducted to identify seals and
monitor locations used by parturient females.

Individual Identification

A total of 100 individuals (89 excluding pups) were
identified by existing or applied tags, bleach marks, scars, or
natural markings. All weaned pups (n = 11) were tagged with
Temple Tags, and passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags. Two
juvenile seals (one male and one female) were also tagged with
Temple Tags and PIT tags.

Collection of Samples

Fifty-seven scat and spew samples were collected. Tissue
samples were collected from 11 weaned pups and 2 other seals
during tagging. In total, 313 pieces of potentially entangling
debris were inventoried; one entanglement item was removed from a
seal and collected; the remainder were destroyed before the end
of the field season.



24

25°

fringing reef

4T'N |
46° +
45" t t
45" 46" 171°47'w

Fig. 3.1. Laysan Island in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.



101

Appendix A.--Continued.

Reddy, M. L., and C. A. Griffith.

1988. Hawaiian monk seal population monitoring, pup captive
maintenance program, and incidental observations of the
green turtle at Kure Atoll, 1985. U.s. Dep. Commer., NOAA
Tech. Memo. NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFC-101, 35 p.

Van Toorenburg, R. A., W. G. Gilmartin, and J. R. Henderson.
1993. Composition of the Hawaiian monk seal population at
Kure Atoll, 1990. Pac. Sci. 47(3):211-214.

Nihoa and Necker Islands

Conant, Ss.
1985. Observations of Hawaiian monk seals on Necker
Island, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. ‘Elepaio. 6(2):11-
12.

Finn, M. A. and M. A. Rice.

1994. Hawaiian monk seal observations at Necker Island,
1993. ‘Elepaio. 55(9):55-58.

Morrow, R. J., and E. K. Buelna.
1985. The Hawaiian monk seal and green turtle on Necker
Island, 1983. U.S. Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo. NOAA-
TM-NMFS-SWFC-55, 11 p.



size for comparison among years and locations. Data collected on
each seal observed during censuses included size class (ranging
from pup to juvenile, subadult, and adult size as described in
Stone, 1984); sex; location on the island; beach position
(indicating whether the seal was in the water or on land); body
condition (a subjective estimate; e.g., fat or thin),
identification information (permanent or temporary identification
numbers and tag numbers) ; molting status (an estimate of the
percentage an animal had molted); and disturbance index (the
extent that the observer disturbed the seal) . Further data were
collected if any of the following events occurred: (1) factors
affecting survival (e.g., entanglements or mobbings), (2) animal
handling, (3) photography, and (4) documentation of tag condition
(e.g., good or broken). In addition, behavior data (seal
associations and interactions) were collected on Laysan and
Lisianski Islands. A sample census form and guidelines for its
completion are included in Appendix B. Censuses were conducted
every 3 to 8 days, starting at 1300 Hawaii standard time when
possible, using census methods and criteria outlined in Johanos
et al. (1987). Atoll-wide counts for locations with more than a
single island (French Frigate Shoals, Pearl and Hermes Reef,
Midway Atoll, and Kure Atoll) were completed within a 2-day
period. The perimeter of each study area was divided into
sectors to facilitate the analysis of data and detection of
demographic trends in different geographic areas. Census methods
specific to each location are detailed in the following chapters.

Patrols consisted-of untimed surveys of an entire island
perimeter. Information collected during patrols was similar to
that collected during censuses. Because patrols were not timed,
observers concentrated on documenting adult and subadult
behavior, identifying and marking individuals, and collecting
scat samples. Island-specific standardized patrols were
conducted at some locations and are described in the following
chapters.

During all observation periods (i.e., censuses, patrols, and
incidental sightings), observers attempted to minimize seal
disturbance by walking above the beach crest and using vegetation
as a visual barrier. On census days, activities which could
disturb the animals and bias the count were not conducted until
after the count was completed. Additionally, special efforts
were directed toward documentation of (1) births, pup exchanges,
and weanings, (2) mating activities, adult male aggression, and
post-mobbing aggregations (defined below), (3) entanglements in
marine debris, (4) injuries, and (5) deaths.

Reproduction

Parturient females were identified, and birth and weaning
information was recorded. Because parturient females will nurse
pups other than their own (Boness, 1990), efforts were made to
identify pups and document changes in nursing relationships from



80

Special Studies
Monitoring Impacts of Past Management Efforts

The Head Start Project (1981-91) and the Rehabilitation
Project (1984-91) used a temporary enclosure, stocked with
locally trapped live reef fish to enhance first-year survival of
weaned female pups and to introduce rehabilitated yearlings from
FFS (Gilmartin and Gerrodette, 1986). Due to logistical
constraints imposed by closure of the USCG LORAN Station on Kure
in 1992, both projects were discontinued and the enclosure was
permanently removed. The Rehabilitation Project was resumed in
1993-94 with the introduction of yearling females from FFS.
These animals were not maintained in a beach enclosure but were
released directly from their cages onto the west beach of Green
Island. In 1995, observers assessed the survival of weaned
female pups and seals involved in the Head Start and
Rehabilitation Projects in previous years to determine the
effectiveness of these management efforts.

Introduction of Rehabilitated Seals

Seven weaned female pups were collected for rehabilitation
in 1994 and released as yearlings in 1995. These animals were
not maintained in any beach enclosure but were released directly
from their cages onto the west beach of Green Island. All seven
yearlings were released in May and resighted throughout the
duration of the field effort.

RESULTS
Population Abundance and Composition

The means (+ SD) for 12 atoll censuses were 48.8 seals
(+ 4.6) including pups, and 42.1 seals (+ 4.1) excluding pups
(Table 7.1). The total spring-summer population was 98
individuals, 87 excluding pups (Table 7.2). The numbers of
tagged known-age seals born at Kure Atoll during the period from
1981 to 1994 and resighted there in 1995 are summarized in Table
7.3.

Reproduction

At least 11 pups were born and weaned (Table 7.4a).
Nursing periods and measurements of weaned pups are summarized in
Table 7.4b.) Of the 32 adult-sized females identified, a minimum
of 11 were parturient (34%). Three of these 11 parturient
females had been temporarily maintained as pups in the Kure Atoll
Head Start enclosure (1 in 1982 and 2 in 1985), and none were
rehabilitated seals from FFS introduced to Kure as yearlings via
the Head Start enclosure.



88

Table 7.4a.--Summary of Hawaiian monk seals born at Kure Atoll in

1995.
Number of pups
Event Male Female Total
Born 6 5 11
Died prior to weaning 0 (0) 0
Weaned 6 5 11
Tagged 6 5 11

Table 7.4b.--Summary of nursing periods and measurements of
weaned pups at Kure Atoll in 1995. Nursing periods
were calculated where both birth and weaning date
ranges were <4 d. All measurements were taken
within 2 weeks after weaning.

Nursing period Axillary Straight dorsal
(a) girth (cm) length (cm)
Mean 40.5 98.8 143.9
St. Dev. 2.2 6.1 8.3

n 3 6 6



ix

(CONTENTS, continued)

Page

RESULTS . 1. 6 ee ee ee ee ee ee eee eee BO
Population Abundance and Composition ....... 80
Reproduction ................4.4.. 80
Interatoll Movement ............2.2.2.2. «82

Factors Affecting Survival ..........4.. 821
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ............042. 4242848 .~« 821
TABLES . 2 1 eee ee ee ee eee ee ee BB
REFERENCES 2 2. ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee
APPENDIXES ... eee - 95

Appendix A.--Reports summarizing annual field research
on the Hawaiian monk seal by the National Marine
Fisheries Service and collaborating scientists . . 97
Appendix B.--Hawaiian monk seal census form and 1995
census form directions. ..........4.4.. =. 103



120
CONTEST RULES

Size class collapse for contests: all subadults = adults (both sexes)

Definition of pair type (depends on associate of adult male):

° Pair type #1: adult male with adult female (L1)

¢ Pair type #2: adult male with juvenile or pup of either sex (L1)
e Pair type #3: single adult male not pair type #1 or #2

Definition of a male-male contest (must conform to at least one condition
below) :

¢ Distance between males = 0

¢ Either adult male vocalizes (V) or performs a C, D, or J
¢ If cruiser approaches to beach position 21, regardless of other
behaviors

Definition of winner or loser adult male:

Case Winner (W) Loser Tie (Y)
(Q)
Paired Male vs. Single Male: i) Original Single Has F No Ties
(#1 or #2 vs. #3) Male if has D
No Ties
Original Paired
Male otherwise
Male Paired with Adult Female | i Original Male Has F No Ties
vs. Male Paired with Juvenile Paired with
Seal: Juvenile if has D
(#1 vs. #2) No Ties
Original Male
Paired with Adult
Female otherwise
Paired Male vs. Paired Male Has D Has F Tie if no
where both pairs are same D
type:
(#1 vs. #1 or
#2 vs. #2)
Single Male vs. Single Male: was D or C Has F Tie if no

(#3 vs. #3) Dor C

ey



86

Table 7.2.--Composition of the Hawaiian monk seal population at

Kure Atoll during the spring and summer of 1995.
Includes all pups born during the calendar year.

Number of seals

Sex ratio
Size Male Female Total male:female
Adults 20 32 52 0.6:1
Subadults 8 a1 19 0.7:1
Juveniles 7 9? 16 0.8:1
Pups 6 5 11 1.2:1
Nonpup Total . 35 52 87 0.7:1
Grand Total 41 57 98 0.7:1

*Number includes 7 rehabilitated yearlings released at Kure

Atoll in May, 1995.



TYPE CODES
COLUMN

T = tag condition

116
CONTENT
Be both (used for rear flippers
only)
X= other, describe in hand-
written NOTES
Part
H= head
As anterior body (neck and
shoulders)
M = midbody (behind fore- flippers

and before posterior)
P= posterior body (behind midbody
and before rear flippers)

Fe foreflipper; write whether
dorsal/ventral in comments
Re rearflipper; write whether

dorsal/ventral in comments
O= overall view of a particular
side
X= other, describe in comments

Purpose
I= identification
Fe survival factor (link with

survival factor EVENT using
continuation lines)
X= other, describe in comments

RECORD HERE FOR ACTIVE TAGS (TAGS ON

SEALS) ONLY
Web
A-D = from inner (medial) to outer
web.
E= ankle
P = posterior
U = unknown

Side of tag, the dorsal tag side is on
the dorsal flipper surface unless the
tag is reversed. For Temple Tags, the
dorsal side is the bigger side; for
Riese and Metal (Monel) tags, the dorsal
side is the "male" side. For PIT tags,
code the side as B (both).

De= dorsal
v= ventral
B= both

Us unknown



99

Appendix A.--Continued.

Johanos, T. C., B. L. Becker, M. A. Brown, B. K. Choy, L. M.
Hiruki, R. E. Brainard, and R. L. Westlake
1990. The Hawaiian monk seal on Laysan Island, 1988. U.S.
Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo. NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFSC-151, 24

p.-

Johanos, T. C., A. K. H. Kam, and R. G. Forsyth.
1987. The Hawaiian monk seal on Laysan Island: 1984. U.S.
Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo. NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFC-70, 38 p.

Johnson, B. W., and P. A. Johnson.
1984. Observations of the Hawaiian monk seal on Laysan
Island from 1977 through 1980. U.S. Dep. Commer., NOAA
Tech. Memo. NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFC-49, 65 p.

Lombard, K. B., B. L. Becker, M. P. Craig, G. C. Spencer, and K.
Hague~-Bechard.
1994. The Hawaiian monk seal on Laysan Island, 1990. U.S.
Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo. NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFSC-206, 16
Pp.

Lisianski Island

Alcorn, D. J., R. G. Forsyth, and R. L. Westlake.
1988. Hawaiian monk seal research on Lisianski Island, 1984
and 1985. U.S. Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo. NOAA-TM-
NMFS~SWFC-120, 22 p.

dohanos, T. C., and J. R. Henderson.
1986. Hawaiian monk seal reproduction and injuries on
Lisianski Island, 1982. U.S. Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech.
Memo. NOAA-TM-NMFS~-SWFC-64, 7 p.

Johanos, T. C., and A. K. H. Kam.
1986. The Hawaiian monk seal on Lisianski Island: 1983.
U.S. Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo. NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFC-58,
37 p.

Johanos, T. C., and R. P. Withrow.
1988. Hawaiian monk seal and green turtle research on
Lisianski Island, 1987. U.S. Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech.
Memo. NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFC-121, 18 p.

Lee, M. M., L. K. Timme, R. Van Toorenburg, and B. L. Becker.
1993. The Hawaiian monk seal on Lisianski Island, 1988 and
1990. U.S. Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo. NOAA-TM-NMFS-
SWFSC-179, 33 p.



SS OUP? TO ATi eetiaasin,

61

Table 5.5a.--Known movement of Hawaiian monk seals to Pearl and
Hermes Reef from other locations in 1995, summarized

by movements between two locations. Some seals made
more than one trip.

Original location Number, size, and sex class

Kure Atoll adult male,

adult females,
juvenile male |

BaAR

Laysan Island 1 adult female
Midway Atoll adult females,
subadult male,
juvenile male

HRN

Table 5.5b.--Known movement of Hawaiian monk seals from Pearl and
Hermes Reef to other locations in 1995, summarized
by movements between two locations. Some seals made
more than one trip.

t

Destination Number, size, and sex class !
Kure Atoll 1 subadult male
Laysan Island 1 subadult male
Lisianski Island 1 adult female,

1 subadult female
Midway Atoll 1 subadult male,

1 subadult female,

2 juvenile males



nN  ,_— I LLL

57

Table 5.1.--Summary statistics for atoll censuses (n = 10) of the

Hawaiian monk seal at Pearl and Hermes Reef, July 25-
August 24, 1995.

Mean number of Standard
Size/Sex individuals deviation
Adults 39.2 5.2 i
Male 17.7 4.5
Female 15.8 2.3 |
Unknown 5.7 3.8 |
Subadults 24.8 .
Male 12.3 3.3
Female 9.0
Unknown 3.5
Juveniles 16.7
Male 6.9 !
Female 7.4 i
Unknown 2.4 2.4 i
Pups 10.5
Male 6.7
Female 2.8 1.5 4
Unknown 1.0 1.4 |
Nonpup Total 80.8 13.0

Grand Total 91.3 15.0



13
octopus abundance. The results of this ongoing research will be
reported at the conclusion of these studies.
Feeding Study
In September, the EEI collected reef fish for a monk seal
feeding study being conducted by researchers from the University
of Hawaii.
RESULTS
Population Abundance and Composition

The means (+ SD) for 10 atoll censuses were 150.5 seals
(+ 16.6) including pups, and 123.9 seals (+ 14.3) excluding pups

(Table 2.1). The total spring-summer population included 161
immature individuals (subadults, juveniles, and pups), of which
88 were subadults or juveniles (Table 2.2). The total numbers of

adult males and females were not obtained due to our inability to
identify all individuals. The numbers of tagged known-age seals
born at FFS from 1984 to 1994 and resighted there in 1995, are
summarized in Table 2.3.

Reproduction

At least 73 pups were born: 56 were weaned and 17 died or
disappeared prior to weaning (Table 2.4a). Four fetuses were
found but not counted in the total number of pups born. Nursing
periods and measurements of weaned pups are summarized in Table
2.4b.

A total of 179 adult-sized females were identified and 63
(35%) of those were parturient. An unknown number of adult-sized
females remained unidentified at FFS. The birth rate was 45%
(45/101) for untagged adult females (>11 years old) and 23%
(18/78) for tagged females of adult size (s11 years old).
Parturient females were more likely to be identified during
lactation, which probably biased the estimates of birth rate
upward. The mean (+ SD) lactation period for 27 females was 35 d
(+ 4.3 d). At least four pups were fostered by mothers other
than their own.

Interatoll Movement
Interatoll movement was documented for seven seals that made
eight movements between FFS and either Necker Island or Laysan
Island (Tables 2.5a and b).
Factors Affecting Survival
Attacks by large sharks, mounting attempts by males,

emaciation, and other-unknown factors resulted in 55 life-
threatening conditions, which led to the confirmed deaths of 21



47

Table 4.3.--Summary of tagged known-age seals born at Lisianski
Island and resighted there in 1995.

Age Number originally Number resighted
(years) Sex tagged in 1995
13 Male 7 3

Female 6 2

12 Male 6 2
Female 18 7

11 Male 10 4
Female 2

10 Male 2
Female 2

9 Male _ i 5

Female 9 4

8 Male 12 2

Female 6 1

7 Male 10 5

Female 8 6

6 Male -- --

Female -- --

5 Male 4

Female 4

4 Male 6

Female 6 4

3 Male 13 7

Female 8 6

2 Male 4 2

Female 9 5

1 Male 4 3

Female 5 4



CHAPTER

5. THE HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL ON

PEARL AND HERMES REEF, 1995

John R. Henderson,

Patience Browne, Kathleen M.
and Chad A. Yoshinaga

O’Brien,



85

Table 7.1.--Summary statistics for atoll censuses (n = 12) of
Hawaiian monk seals at Kure Atoll from May 19 to

July 6, 1995.

Mean number of Standard

Size/Sex individuals deviation
Adults 23.3 1.9

Male 6.2 1.6

Female 12.1 1.8

Unknown 5.0 2.2
Subadults 9.5

Male 2.7

Female

Unknown
Juveniles

Male

Female 6.

Unknown 1.2 1.
Pups

Male 2.

Female

Unknown oO.
Nonpup Total 42.1 4.1
Grand Total 48.8 4.6



For each dead seal recovered, an external examination was
made, photographs were taken, external measurements and
observations were recorded. The skull was collected from all
seals except pups. For a recent death, an internal examination
was made, and samples of tissue, organs, parasites, and stomach
contents were collected. Detailed descriptions of necropsy
procedures and sample collection methods are in Winchell (1990).

Scat and spew samples were collected (Alcorn, 1984) for
analysis of food habits. Emphasis was placed on collecting these
samples from seals of known size and sex class, but samples from
seals of unknown size and sex class were also collected.

Nets, lines, ropes, and other debris capable of entangling
seals and turtles were inventoried and destroyed, following the
methods in Johanos and Kam (1986).



TABLES



This document describes these and other field studies
conducted during 1995. The format followed is intended to
provide complete, standardized, and timely summaries of the
research activities and findings at each study site. The ready
availability of such information is essential for ongoing efforts
to stop the decline of this species and enhance its recovery.



75

Table 6.5a.--Known movement of Hawaiian monk seals to Midway
Atoll from other locations in 1995, summarized by
movements between two locations. Some seals made
more than one trip.

Original location Number, size, and sex class

1 subadult male,
1 subadult female,
2 juvenile males

Pearl and Hermes Reef

Kure Atoll 2 adult males,
2 adult females,
1

subadult female

Table 6.5b.--Known movement of Hawaiian monk seals from Midway
Atoll to other locations in 1995, summarized by
movements between two.locations. Some seals made
more than one trip.

Destination Number, size, and sex class
Pearl and Hermes Reef 2 adult females,

1 subadult male,

1 juvenile male
Kure Atoll 3 adult males,

2 adult females



CHAPTER 3. THE HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL ON
LAYSAN ISLAND, 1995

Brenda L. Becker and Gina M. Reppucci



73

Table 6.3.--Summary of tagged known-age seals born at Midway

Atoll and resighted there in 1995.

Age Number originally Number resighted
(years) Sex tagged in 1995
7 Male 0 NA

Female 1 0
4 Male 1 1
Female 1 1
3 Male O NA
Female 1 1
2 Male 1 ie)
Female 0 NA
1 Male 0) NA
Female 0 NA



64

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TABLES



35

Table 3.5a.--Known movement of Hawaiian monk seals to Laysan
Island from other locations in 1995, summarized by
movements between two locations. One seal made more

than one trip.

Original location Number, size, and sex class
French Frigate Shoals 1 adult male,

1 adult female
Lisianski Island 1 subadult female
Pearl and Hermes Reef 1 subadult male

Table 3.5b.--Known movement of Hawaiian monk seals from Laysan
Island to other locations in 1995, summarized by
movements between two locations. One seal made more

than one trip.

Destination Number, size, and sex class
French Frigate Shoals 1 adult male,

3 adult females
Lisianski Island 3 adult females,

1 subadult female,

1 juvenile male

Pearl and Hermes Reef

Maro Reef

adult female

adult male



EE nn LLL Ln
58

Table 5.2.--Composition of the Hawaiian monk seal population at i
Pearl and Hermes Reef during the summer of 1995.

Number of seals

Sex ratio |
Size Male Female Total male: female \
Adults 56 54 110 1.0:1
Subadults 29 20 49 1.5:1 |
Juveniles 18 21 39 0.9:1
Pups 16 11 27 1.5:1
Nonpup Total 103 95 198 1.1:1

Grand Total 119 106 225 1.1:1



19

Table 2.3.--Summary of tagged known-age seals born at French
Frigate Shoals and resighted there in 1995.

Age Number originally Number resighted
(years) Sex tagged in 1995
11 Male 49 11

Female 43 22
10 Male 48 9
Female 38 16
=) Male 52 13
Female 48 21
8 Male 55 16
Female S51 17
7 Male 52 5
Female 62 8
6 Male 51 8
Female 50 6
5 Male 41 2
Female 38 2
4 Male 24 1
Female 44 5
3 Male 36 2
Female 55 9
2 Male 40 8
Female 39 7
1 Male 47 10
Female 48 14



97

Appendix A.--Reports summarizing annual field research on the
Hawaiian monk seal by the National Marine Fisheries
Service and collaborating scientists.

All islands

Johanos, T. C., and T. J. Ragen (Eds.).
1996. The Hawaiian monk seal in the Northwestern Hawaiian
Islands, 1993. U.S. Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo., NOAA-
TM-NMFS-SWFSC-227, 141 p.

Johanos, T. C., and T. J. Ragen (Eds.).
1996. The Hawaiian monk seal in the Northwestern Hawaiian
Islands, 1994. U.S. Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo., NOAA-
TM-NMFS-SWFSC-229, 111 p.

Johanos, T. C., L. M. Hiruki, and T. J. Ragen (Eds.).
1995. The Hawaiian monk seal in the Northwestern Hawaiian
Islands, 1992. U.S. Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo., NOAA-
TM-NMFS-SWFSC-216, 128 p.

French Frigate Shoals

Craig, M. P., J. L. Megyesi, C. S. Hall, J. L. Glueck, L. P.
Laniawe, E. A. Delaney, S. S. Keefer, M. A. McDermond, M.
Schulz, G. L. Nakai, B. L. Becker, L. M. Hiruki, and R. J.
Morrow.

1994. The Hawaiian monk seal at French Frigate Shoals,
1990-91. U.S. Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo., NOAA-TM-
NMFS-SWFSC-210, 70 p.

Craig, M. P., D. J. Alcorn, R. G. Forsyth, T. Gerrodette, M. A.
Brown, B. K. Choy, L. Dean, L. M. Dennlinger, L. E. Gill, Ss. S.
Keefer, M. M. Lee, J. S. Lennox, C. R. Lorence, G. L. Nakai,
and K. R. Niethammer.

1992. The Hawaiian monk seal at French Frigate Shoals,
1988-89. U.S. Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo. NOAA-TM-
NMFS-SWFSC-178, 83 p.

Eliason, J. J., J. R. Henderson, and M. A. Webber.
1993. Hawaiian monk seal observations at French Frigate
Shoals, 1985. U.S. Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo. NOAA-
TM-NMFS-SWFSC-187, 46 p.

Eliason, J. J., and J. R. Henderson.
1992, Hawaiian monk seal observations at French Frigate
Shoals, 1984. U.S. Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo. NOAA-
TM-NMFS-SWFSC-177, 61 p.



TABLES



90

Table 7.6.--Factors affecting Hawaiian monk seal survival at Kure
Atoll in 1995.

Outcome

Size Sex Total Injured Died Probably died

Attack by Large Shark
(none observed)

Mounting by Males

Adult Female 1 1 0 0
Entanglement

Weaned pup Female a> 0 ce) fo)

Nursing pup Female 1° 0 te) 0

°A post-mobbing aggregation of 5 males was observed.
Seal released by observers.
°Seal escaped by itself.



CHAPTER 6. THE HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL AT
MIDWAY ATOLL, 1995

L. L. Eberhardt, K. V. Eberhardt, W. G. Gilmartin,
Lucy W. Keith, and R. Lance Jeffery



REFERENCES



27

Interatoll Movement

Interatoll movement was documented for 14 seals that made
15 movements between Laysan Island and either French Frigate
Shoals, Lisianski Island, Pearl and Hermes Reef, or Maro Reef
(Tables 3.5a and b).

Factors Affecting Survival

Attacks by large sharks, mounting attempts by males,
entanglement, emaciation, and other- unknown factors led to 26
life-threatening conditions, which resulted in the confirmed
deaths of 5 animals and the probable deaths of 2 other seals
(Table 3.6). One incident of adult male aggression was observed,
but the recipient of the aggression did not appear to be
seriously injured. One seal disappeared after sustaining
injuries characteristic of male mounting. Two seals were
entangled: one escaped independently, and the other was released
by an observer.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We acknowledge the support of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge staff and
thank the captains and crew members of the M/V Glorita and NOAA
ship Townsend Cromwell. Special thanks are extended to Monette
Boswell, Leah deForest, Amy Edmonds, Bradford Keitte, Leslie
Leroux, Jeffrey Marks, Donna O’Daniel, Greg Spencer, and Drew
Wettergreen for their data collection and tagging assistance.



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46

Table 4.2.--Composition of the Hawaiian monk seal population at
Lisianski Island during the spring and summer of
1995. Includes all pups born during the calendar

year.
Number of seals
Sex ratio
Size Male Female Unknown Total male: female
Adults 79 49 0 128 1.6:1
Subadults 24 17 0 41 1.4:1
Juveniles 13 15 (e) 28 0.9:1
Pups 10 10 2 22 1.0:1
Nonpup Total 116 81 0 197 1.4:1
Grand Total 126 91 2 219 1.4:1



CHAPTER 1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION



4 4

4'
30"

Fig. 4.1.

38

1 ;
‘a -Vegetation

Lisianski Island in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.

< line A
320 9 ‘
N
05 km epee
\ ; ;
T f
$8130" 58" 173°57'30"W



14

animals and the probable death of 13 seals (Table 2.6). One
incident of adult male aggression was observed; an adult male
nearly drowned a weaned female pup. This same pup was later
found drowned, probably by an adult male. Ten emaciated seals
died. No seals were entangled. In addition to the deaths
presented in Table 2.6, four aborted fetuses were found on Tern
Island in January, February, March, and November 1995.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We acknowledge the support of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge staff. We
thank the captain, officers, and crew of the NOAA ship
Townsend Cromwell for logistical assistance.



CHAPTER 2. THE HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL ON
FRENCH FRIGATE SHOALS, 1995

Mitchell P. Craig, Derek Kuda, Alison Veit, Kyler Abernathy,
Kate McFadden

and



vii
CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION. ........
MATERIALS AND METHODS .......4.2.4.2.
Censuses and Patrols .......
Reproduction .. woe ee
Factors Affecting Survival woe eee
Individual Identification. .....
Measurements of Seals ........
Collection of Samples ........

CHAPTER 2. THE HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL ON
FRENCH FRIGATE SHOALS, 1995 ........4.4.44.
RESEARCH... . rs
Censuses and Patrols . soe ee
Individual Identification .....
Collection of Samples .......
Special Studies...
Seals Collected for Rehabilitation

Habitat Use Study ........
Prey Availability ....
Feeding Study ......
RESULTS
Population “Abundance and Composition’
Reproduction ...........
Interatoll Movement .........
Factors Affecting Survival ......
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ............2.4
TABLES... 2... ee ee ee
CHAPTER 3. THE HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL ON
LAYSAN ISLAND, 1995 ..... . woe eee
RESEARCH .. . See ee ee
Censuses and Patrols” woe ee eee
Individual Identification. ....
Collection of Samples .......

Noteworthy Events . .
Translocated Adult Males

Oiled Seals ..........

RESULTS .
Population Abundance and Composition
Reproduction .. eee ee eee
Interatoll Movement rr rs
Factors Affecting Survival .....
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ..........2.42.
TABLES... . 1... ee eee ee eee

CHAPTER 4. THE HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL ON
LISIANSKI ISLAND, 1995 ... ee ee ee ee
RESEARCH... woe te ew
Censuses and Patrols. eee ee ee

Individual Identification

~
»
a
o

ATION U BR WWE

37
39
39
39



10.

11.

12.

13.

119

Islands, it is not assumed that association data will be taken on census
or atoll count in 1995. Thus, on a census or atoll count sheet from
these other locations, no code in any of the association columns means
that data was not taken, and an X code will be filled in by computer.

If you wish to indicate that a seal was alone, use the OQ behavior code.
At Laysan and Lisianski Islands in 1995, it ig assumed that behavioral
data will be taken on census (and during behavior patrol). Thus, on a
census or behavior patrol data sheet from Laysan or Lisianski Island, no
code in any of the association columns means that the seal was alone,
whereas on a regular patrol data sheet from the same location, no code
may simply mean that no data were taken. It is not necessary to put an
Q code for each unassociated animal on census or during behavior patrol
at these locations because it will be filled in by computer. If you are
unable to record association data on a census or behavior patrol at
Laysan or Lisianski Island for any reason, indicate this with an X for
the behavior code.

An association should either be all blank or have the Q, Z, or X
behavior only, with no line number or distance, or have a line number, a
distance, and some behavior code (other than Q or X) all present. Don't
record behaviors of an animal after it has been disturbed by the
observer.

All associations should be in pairs, i.e., between animals on two
different lines. If the behavior is active, you should fill in the line
numbers, distances, and behavior codes for both animals involved in the
association. If the behavior is N or L, however, you may record the
association on only one of the lines, and the entry/checking program
will fill in the other line. When recording an active behavior that
requires a corresponding code, the association line number should refer
directly to the line where the corresponding behavior is coded (i.e. if
the corresponding code is on a continuation line, refer to that
particular line, not to the original line or a different continuation
line).

During the first weeks of the field camp, note tag condition each time
that a tag is sighted. Once the majority of tags have been resighted,
observers can carry a list of tags/individuals that haven't been seen,
and only note tag condition if these tags/individuals are resighted.
Also carry a list of broken or lost tags so that you will be aware, and
can record, if a specific tag breaks or is lost during the field season.

Do_not make up additional codes. If the need for an additional code
arises, contact Honolulu.



72

Table 6.2.--Composition of the Hawaiian monk seal population at
Midway Atoll during the spring and summer of 1995.

Number of seals

Sex ratio

Size Male Female Unknown Total male:female
Adults 7 16 0 23 0.4:1
Subadults 2 8 0 10 0.3:1
Juveniles 3 2 0 5 1.5:1
Pups 1 7 1 9 O.1:1
Nonpup Total 12 26 ie) 38 0.5:1
Grand Total 13 33 1 47? 0.4:1

*A total of 42 seals were present in the Midway Atoll
population during March 31-April 28. Five additional seals
were observed August 4-18 (2 adult males, 1 adult females, and
2 female pups).



20

Table 2.4a.--Summary of Hawaiian monk seals born at French

Frigate Shoals in 1995.

Number of pups

Event Male Female Unknown Total
Born 38 27 8 73°
Died/probably died 8 1 8 17
prior to weaning
Weaned 30° 26 0 56
Tagged 29° 26 0 55

*Four fetuses (two female, one male, and one unknown sex) were
also found but are not included in the total number of pups

born.

One weaned male pup disappeared before tagging.
°‘Number includes one pup that was tagged as a yearling in 1996.

Table 2.4b.--Summary of nursing periods and measurements of

weaned pups at French Frigate Shoals in 1995.
Nursing periods were calculated where both birth and
weaning date ranges were <4 d. All measurements
were taken within 2 weeks after weaning.

Straight
Nursing Axillary dorsal
period (d) girth (cm) length (cm) Weight (kg)
Mean 32.5 100.8 125.4 52.0
St. Dev. 4.4 11.2 8.2 8.1
n 4 53 53 117

“Includes only weaned females collected for rehabilitation and
measured within 2 weeks after weaning.



birth to weaning. A pup exchange occurred when the pups of two
lactating females were switched. Most frequently, such exchanges
occurred during an aggressive interaction between the two
females. On other occasions, a mother and pup became separated,
and one or both seals then actively sought and obtained another
nursing relationship.

The average nursing period was calculated for the pups at
each location. The average lactation period of parturient
females was also calculated for seals at FFS because higher
population density and frequent pup exchanges (Boness, 1990) made
it difficult to track individual pups and determine their nursing
period. Nursing or lactation periods were defined as the number
of days from birth until the end of the last nursing
relationship. Temporary breaks in nursing relationships were not
subtracted from the total. When the exact birth or weaning date
was not known, but occurred within a range of 4 days or less,
then the midpoint of that range was used as the start or end date
for calculation of average nursing or lactation period. Nursing
or lactation data were not used if the range exceeded 4 days, or
if the pup died or disappeared before weaning.

Factors Affecting Survival

A wide range of injuries was observed. The origins of these
injuries were distinguished based upon characteristic wound
patterns described in Hiruki et al. (1993). Injuries were
documented if they were related to mounting or entanglement or if
they were considered severe enough to possibly affect survival.
Injuries were considered severe, and were summarized, if they
consisted of (1) three or more abscesses, each <5 cm in diameter,
or one abscess with a diameter 25 cm; (2) an amputation of more
than one digit (either foreflipper or hindflipper); (3) at least
three punctures or gaping wounds, if largest dimension was <5 om,
or one gaping wound with a maximum diameter-largest dimension 25
cm; or (4) densely spaced (overlapping) scratches, abrasions, or
lacerations covering an area equivalent to half the dorsum, or
evidence of extensive underlying tissue damage (e.g., an uneven
or darkened surface of the injured area, leaching fluids, or
impaired seal movement). We did not include injuries that were
healed when first observed.

A seal was listed as dead if its death or carcass was
observed. Deaths summarized here include carcasses found at the
beginning of the field season, if the seal had clearly died
during the calendar year. A seal was listed as probably dead if
it had sustained severe injuries or was emaciated (with skeletal
structure clearly evident) and subsequently disappeared. In
addition, one of the following conditions must have been
satisfied to place a seal in the "probably dead" category:

(1) the seal was lethargic, had difficulty moving, or floated
listlessly in the water, and disappeared more than a week before
the end of data collection, or (2) the seal was in deteriorating



NYA CLL

25

Laysan Island (lat. 25°42'N, long. 171°44’W) is located ca.
1,300 km northwest of Oahu in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands
(Fig. 1.1). This island lies within the Hawaiian Islands
National Wildlife Refuge and is one of the major haulout and
pupping locations of the Hawaiian monk seal.

RESEARCH

Research was conducted by the National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS) during April 21-July 18, and incidental
observations were recorded by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS) personnel during the rest of the year. The perimeter of
the island (ca. 11 km) was divided into 20 sectors using .
artificial or natural landmarks (Fig. 3.1). In 1995, research
objectives specific to this population included identification of
all seals, assessment of maternity and pup exchanges, description
of male behavioral patterns and aggression to determine if the
removal of 22 adult males from Laysan Island in 1994 reduced the
incidence of mobbing, and monitoring for the return of the adult
males translocated to the main Hawaiian Islands.

Censuses and Patrols

Censuses and patrols were scheduled to ensure that the
entire island perimeter was monitored 5-6 times per week during
April 26-July 10. Thirteen censuses were conducted by two
observers every 5th day from April 28 to June 12, and by one
observer every 7th day from June 23 to July 7. Each census began
at 1300 Hawaii standard time and continued for 2.4 to 3.0 h when
conducted by two observers, and 5.4 to 5.6 h when conducted by
one observer.

Standardized behavior patrols were conducted on 40
noncensus days to assess activity patterns of adults and large
subadults, document male aggression, and detect mobbing
incidents. During behavior patrols, attention was directed out
to sea as much as possible because mobbings have been observed
most frequently in the water.

Individual Identification i

A total of 253 individuals (210 excluding pups) were
identified by existing or applied tags, bleach marks, scars, or i
natural markings. Bleach marks were applied to 198 seals, |
including 32 nursing pups. Most weaned pups (n = 37) were tagged
with Temple Tags and passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags.

Collection of Samples
One hundred and eighteen scat and spew samples were

|

|

collected. Tissue samples were collected from 37 weaned pups

during tagging. Two necropsies were performed and tissue samples I
\
|



DATA TYPE

107

1995
CENSUS FORM DIRECTIONS

Cs Census: A complete, timed count on an island begun around
1300. Census is conducted as quickly as possible (while
gathering all information) .

A=  Atoll-wide census (must be completed within 2 days)

Bs Behavior patrol: A complete, untimed count where size, sex,
ID and disturbance are recorded. Associations are coded if
they involve adult or subadult seals (Laysan and Lisianski
Islands only in 1995).

Ps Patrol: A complete, untimed count where size, sex, ID and

disturbance are recorded.

Incidental observations. (limit these) .

T= Tag status entry for non-active tags (tags not currently on
a seal). Record tag status in notes columns.)

COMPUTER PAGE NO. Leave this blank during data collection. It will be

assigned and displayed on the screen when you enter the
data. At that time, be sure to fill in the computer page
number on your census form, as this number is needed for
data retrieval.

PAGE Page number within a census or patrol. For example, if the census
(or patrol) requires three pages, then mark the first page as
"page 1 of 3" and so on. If more than 1 person conducts the
census, then combine page numbers; person A has pages 1 and 2,
while person B has pages 3 and 4 of a four-page census day.
ISLAND Name of island and atoll, e.g., East, FFS
OBSERVER Three initials. If no middle initial, use the first and last
block.
TIME BEGIN and END On a 24-h clock, e.g., 6 p.m. = 1800, for the group of
pages.
DATE The date that data are collected (in YYMMDD format).
NUMBER Censuses and patrols may be assigned numbers at your discretion.
(3 digits). Atoll counts must be numbered, starting with 001.
‘TEMP. Temperature in degrees Celsius at beginning of census or patrol.
WIND Speed: 0 = no wind, calm (<5 knots)
1 = light breeze (5-15 knots)
2 = strong wind (>15 knots)
Direction: NN,NE,EE,SE,SS,SW,WW,NW
Thus, 2 N = strong wind from north



°”TcTSC C] ?¢] QQ Eaten}

98

Appendix A.--Continued.

Fairaizl, G. w.

1984. Intra-atoll resighting of the Hawaiian monk seal,
Monachus schauinslandi, at French Frigate Shoals, 1
January 1983-31 August 1983. Southwest Fish. Cent.
Honolulu Lab., Natl. Mar. Fish Serv., NOAA, Honolulu, HI

96822-2396. Southwest Fish. Cent. Admin. Rep. H-84-5c,
27 p. |

Johnson, P. A., and B. W. Johnson.
1984. Hawaiian monk seal observations on French Frigate |

Shoals, 1980. U.S. Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo. NOAA-
TM-NMFS-SWFC-50, 47 p.

Laysan Island

Alcorn, D.
1984. The Hawaiian monk seal on Laysan Island: 1982. U.S.
Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo. NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFC-42, 37 Pp.

Alcorn, D. J., and E. K. Buelna.
1989. The Hawaiian monk seal on Laysan Island, 1983. U.S.
Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo. NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFC-124, 46
Pp.

Alcorn, D. J., and R. L. Westlake.
1993. The Hawaiian monk seal on Laysan Island, 1986. U.S.
Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo. NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFSC-191, 25 Pp.

Becker, B. L., P. A. Ching, L. M. Hiruki, and S. A. Zur. |

1994. The Hawaiian monk seal on Laysan Island, 1987 and |

1989. U.S. Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo. NOAA-TM-
NMFS-SWFSC-213, 20 p.

Becker, B. L., R. J. Morrow, and J. K. Leialoha.
1989. Censuses and interatoll movements of the Hawaiian
monk seal on Laysan Island, 1985. U.S. Dep. Commer., NOAA
Tech. Memo. NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFC-135, 25 p.

Becker, B. L., K. E. O’Brien, K. B. Lombard, and L. P. Laniawe.
1995. The Hawaiian monk seal on Laysan Island, 1991. U.S. i
Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo. NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFSC-214, 16

Pp.

Johanos, T. C., and S. L. Austin.
1988. Hawaiian monk seal population structure,
reproduction, and survival on Laysan Island, 1985. U.S.
Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo. NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFC-118, 38

p.



condition (loss of weight, enlargement of abscesses, sloughing of

skin) and disappeared at least 10 surveys or 1 month before the
end of data collection (whichever was longer). Nursing pups were
listed as probably dead if they disappeared within 3 weeks of
birth.

Mobbing and other mating-related male aggressions were
observed and recorded. By definition, mobbing occurred when
multiple males attempted to mate with a single seal, usually an
adult female or immature seal of either sex, causing injury or
death of that seal (e.g., Alcorn 1984). Mating-related
aggression was defined as any incident where an adult or subadult
male repeatedly bit the dorsum, attempted to mount, and tried to
prevent the escape of another seal. These incidents were
summarized if they simultaneously involved more than one male
aggressor or resulted in at least one puncture or gaping wound
(missing skin or extending into the fat layer) or > 15 scratches
to the dorsum or flanks. Post-mobbing aggregations were also
summarized: these were groups of males congregated on the beach,
attending a seal with new mounting injuries as described above.

Individual Identification

During censuses and patrols, individual seals were
identified by tags, applied bleach marks, scars, or natural
markings. After weaning, pups were tagged on each hind flipper
with a colored plastic Temple Tag,°! uniquely coded to indicate
island or atoll population, year of birth, and individual ID
(Gilmartin et al., 1986). In addition, two passive integrated
transponder (PIT) tags were implanted subcutaneously in the
dorsum of each weaned pup (see Lombard et al., 1994, for detailed
tagging procedures) .

Colored plastic Temple Tags have been applied to nearly all
weaned pups since 1981 at Kure Atoll, 1982 at Lisianski Island,
1983 at Laysan Island and Pearl and Hermes Reef, and 1984 at
French Frigate Shoals. Pups at Midway Atoll, Necker and Nihoa
Islands, and the main Hawaiian Islands have been tagged
opportunistically since 1983. Since 1991, PIT tags have also
been implanted subcutaneously in the dorsum of most weaned pups.

In 1995, untagged immature seals were tagged with Temple
Tags uniquely coded to indicate that their ages and birth
locations were unknown. Immature seals with lost or broken tags
were retagged to maintain their identities.

At five locations (Laysan Island, Lisianski Island, Pearl
and Hermes Reef, Midway Atoll, and Kure Atoll), adult, subadult,
and untagged immature seals were bleach-marked for individual

*Reference to trade names does not imply endorsement by the
National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA.





TAG NO.

111

ls ID number is questionable
blank = ID number is certain and complete if present

Tag number if known; right justified. If a number is
incompletely read, use dashes as place-holders within the number
to indicate missing digits. Put the alpha prefix of the temple
tag (combined with tag ? column code = 5) if you can determine
the hole drilling pattern, but can't decipher the number (e.g. A--
RTS for a right tan tag with a 1983 drill pattern). Record the
last 5 digits of a 10 digit PIT tag (put all 10 digits in the
notes) .

L/R: Tag position

? column:

MOLT

L = tag on left flipper
R = tag on right flipper
B = tags on both flippers (enter one tag number)

Color code -see the Tag Sample Kit if unsure of the colors

Temple tags Qther tag types

Y = yellow (FFS) M = metal, Monel
T = tan/brown (Laysan) P = plastic, Riese

G = green (Lisianski) C = clear, PIT tag
B = blue (Pearl & Hermes)

K = silver/gray (Kure)

R = red (Midway, Necker, Nihoa, Main Islands)

seal is definitely not tagged

seal is tagged, but the number is questionable

partially read tag completed from other data

incompletely read tag, but partial data are certain (if seal
can't be identified by ID or Temporary #)

Tag lost/unreadable. Fill out tag position (L/R) and the
tag condition event with codes L or U. Complete the tag
number and color from other data before entry.

blank = tag information is certain if present. Partial data
(either Tag #, position, or color not filled) are OK
and will be completed by computer if the seal is
identified by ID, Temporary #, or Tag #. The
computer will only fill blank fields, so an incomplete
Tag # must be completed by hand (use a "4" in the tag
? column).

urRro

o
0

Percentage of old pelage lost, optional for nursing pups

blank no molting evident

0-9 = 1 to 99% molted:
0 = molting, but less than 10%; 1 = 10-19%; ... 9 =
90-99%. The first record of a > 2 molt is considered
the first day of true molt.



66

Individual Identification

A total of 47 individuals (41 excluding pups) were
identified by existing or applied tags, bleach marks, scars, or
natural markings; 42 seals were identified during the period from
March 31 to April 28, and an additional 5 seals were identified
in August. Most weaned pups (n = 8) were tagged with Temple
Tags; 2 of these same pups were tagged with passive integrated
transponder (PIT) tags. Three juvenile seals (one male, two
female) were tagged with Temple Tags. Five adult seals (two
male, three female) were tagged, and one adult female was
retagged with Temple Tags and PIT tags.

Collection of Samples

Tissue samples were collected from four weaned pups and
three juvenile seals during tagging. Blood samples were
collected from six adult seals during tagging or retagging.

Special Studies
Sighting Probability Calculations

Probability calculations suggested that the 42 seals
identified during March 31-April 28 may have been virtually the
entire "population" using Midway Atoll at that time, but there
may have been 1 or 2 other seals undetected.

Disease Survey

Blood samples were collected from six adult seals during
tagging or retagging as part of a disease survey of the wild
population. All seals appeared healthy, although an adult male
had a corneal opacity, and an adult female had an inflamed
nictating membrane.

RESULTS
Population Abundance and Composition

The means (+ SD) for nine atoll censuses were 16.0 seals
(4 3.1) including pups, and 11.7 seals (+ 2.4) excluding pups
(Table 6.1). The total spring-summer population was 47 seals, 38
excluding pups (Table 6.2). This total includes the population
observed at Midway Atoll during March 31-April 28 (42 seals) and
an additional 5 seals identified in August.

The estimation of population abundance is confounded by
movement of seals among Midway Atoll, Kure Atoll, and Pearl and
Hermes Reef. Because of the relatively short study period, it is
difficult to distinguish transient visitors from resident seals.
Further study of this population is needed to identify resident



74

Table 6.4a.--Summary of Hawaiian monk seals born at Midway
Atoll in 1995.

Number of pups

Event Male Female Unknown Total
Born 1 7 1 9
Died prior to weaning Oo. (0) (0) 0
Weaned 1 7 1 9
Tagged 1 6 1 8

Table 6.4b.--Summary of nursing periods and measurements of
weaned pups at Midway Atoll in 1995. All
measurements were taken within 2 weeks after
weaning.

Straight dorsal length (cm)

Mean 139.5

St. Dev. 12.4

n 4



11

The largest island population of Hawaiian monk seals is
located at French Frigate Shoals (FFS, lat. 23°45'N, long.
166°10’W), ca. 830 km northwest of Oahu in the Northwestern
Hawaiian Islands. This atoll is part of the Hawaiian Islands
National Wildlife Refuge (Fig. 1.1), and consists of 10 permanent
islands and 7 semipermanent sand spits (Fig. 2.1).

RESEARCH

Research was conducted by the National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS) during May 8-September 3 and during October 25-
November 18. Incidental observations were recorded by U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service (USFWS) personnel during the rest of the
year. The perimeters of the six larger islands were divided into
sectors using artificial or natural landmarks. In 1995, research
objectives specific to this population included (1) capture of
undersized weaned pups for rehabilitation, (2) investigation of
habitat use patterns using satellite-linked telemetry and seal-
mounted video cameras, (3) assessment of nearshore prey
availability, and (4) collection of reef fish for an Hawaiian
monk seal feeding study.

Censuses and Patrols

Atoll censuses (n = 10) were conducted every 8 d, on
average, from May 20 to August 5. Each atoll census began
between 0900 and 1100 Hawaii standard time and ended between 1500
and 1800. Round Island and Mullet Island were censused from a
boat, while the remaining islands were censused on foot by one or
two persons.

Patrols were conducted on noncensus days. East, Mullet,
Round, and Whaleskate Islets were visited every 3-4 d to monitor
pupping activity. Patrols of Tern Island were conducted every 3
da.

Individual Identification

A total of 426 individuals (353 excluding pups) were
identified by existing or applied tags, scars, or natural
markings. Most weaned pups were tagged (n = 55) with Temple
Tags; 51 of these same pups were tagged with passive integrated
transponder (PIT) tags. Two juvenile seals (1 male, 1 female)
and 2 adult males were tagged, and 111 subadult or adult seals
(46 male, 65 female) were retagged with Temple Tags.

Collection of Samples

Ninety-nine scat and spew samples were collected. Tissue
samples were collected from 139 seals during tagging. Necropsies
were performed on eight dead seals found at the study site.
Tissue and skeletal samples were collected from all necropsied



CLOUD

PREC.

CONTINUE

TIME

SECTOR

SIZE Size is estimated using a classification scheme from Stone (1984), using

108

Cloud cover: 00 = no clouds
01-09 10 to 90% cover
10 100% cover

Precipitation: no precipitation or trace
mist/drizzle
rain

intermittent rain

oO
1
2
3

If the same seal sighting is recorded on several lines for any

reason (e.g., additional tag or association, behavior at a later
time, change of beach position), put the gxiginal line number you
are continuing from here. Lines may be continued only within the
same page. All fields from SECTOR through MOLT will be copied
from the original line if left blank on the continuation line.
Several lines can have the same continuation line number.

The time should be recorded for each seal sighting, on a 24-h
clock

Location on island (e.g., 1-20 on Laysan)
Special codes as follows:

00 = unknown sector

77 = pen

88 = offshore spit

99 island not present

W

the following terminology:

Juvenile Sort, slight seals from the length of a weaned pup (about

138 cm) to 20-30 cm longer, including yearlings, and perhaps
younger seals, up to perhaps 3 years. Distinguished from
pups by thinness and pelage color.

Subadults Seals perceptibly longer than juveniles up to breeding size;

Adult

less robust than adults, generally with lighter pelage.
Immature seals likely from 3 or 4 to 5 or 6 years.

Repropductively active or breeding size seals at least as
long as known breeders. Mature or probably mature seals.
Adult females often have extensive back scars or wounds;
adult males usually dark, including venter, and extensively
scarred.

Code size as follows
Nursing pups

P = Nursing pup
Pl = Nursing pup, wrinkles
P2 = Nursing pup, no wrinkles
P3 = Nursing pup, blimp, black



17

Table 2.1.--Summary statistics for atoll censuses (n = 10) of
Hawaiian monk seals at French Frigate Shoals from May
20 to August 5, 1995.

Mean number of Standard
Size/Sex individuals deviation
Adults 102.5 13.0
Male 29.1 4.4
Female 55.3 12.3
Unknown 18.1 6.6
Subadults 10.1 2.6
Male 2.5 1.5
Female 6.1 1.7
Unknown “5 1.8
Juveniles 11.3 4.7
Male +6 2.3
Female -8 3.0
Unknown 9 1.3
Pups 26.6 3.5
Male 11.4 3.9
Female “5 2.3
Unknown -7 2.5
Nonpup Total 123.9 14.3
Grand Total 150.5 16.6



50

Table 4.6.--Factors affecting Hawaiian monk seal survival at
Lisianski Island in 1995.

Outcome
Size Sex Total Injured Died Probably died
Attack by Large Shark
Adult Male 1 1 to)
Female 2 2° te)
Juvenile Male 2 1 0 1
Mounting by Male
Adult Female 1 1 0 te)
Entanglement
Adult Female 1s e) 0
Weaned pup Female 34 0 to)
Nursing pup Male 1? 0 0
Emaciation
Juvenile Male 2 0 2 0
Weaned pup Male 1 0 (0) 1°
Unknown
Nursing pup Male 1 0 1
Unknown 2 e) 2 te)

*A seal with a minor male mounting injury was also attacked
by a shark.

*Seal was attacked on 1 and 9 May. This seal was thin when
first attacked, and emaciated when last sighted.

“Seal escaped by itself.

4Seal(s) released by observers.

*Prematurely weaned pup.



103

Appendix B.--Hawaiian monk seal census form and 1995 census form
directions.

(See following pages.)



31

Table 3.1.--Summary statistics for censuses (n = 13) of Hawaiian
monk seals at Laysan Island from April 28 to July 7,

1995.
Mean number of Standard
Size/Sex individuals deviation
Adults 44.7 6.8
Male 17.9 6.0
Female 24.8 4.4
Unknown 1.9 2.9
Subadults 11.8 3.8
Male 5.2 1.9
Female 6.1 2.4
Unknown 0.5 0.8
Juveniles 13.0 3.3
Male 5.3 2.2
Female 7.4 2.8
Unknown 0.3 0.9
Pups 22.5 5.7
Male 10.4 1.8
Female 11.6 4.8
Unknown 0.5 0.9
Nonpup Total 69.5 10.0

Grand Total 92.0 10.3



12

seals. In total, 148 pieces of potentially entangling debris
were inventoried and destroyed.

Special Studies
Seals Collected for Rehabilitation

Since 1984, NMFS has collected female pups whose size at
weaning indicated that their chance of survival to age 1 was low
relative to survival of larger seals (Gilmartin and Gerrodette,
1986). From 1984 to 1991, female pups with an axillary girth <90
cm at weaning were captured and transported by airplane or ship
to rehabilitation facilities on Oahu. After 8-12 mo of
rehabilitation, they were reintroduced at Kure or Midway Atolls.
In 1992, the collection criteria (axillary girth at weaning) were
raised to <95 cm, and in 1995 the collection criteria were again
raised to <100 cm, because recent survival data (NMFS unpublished
data) revealed that pups with girths of 90-100 cm also had
substantially lower survival rates than larger seals.

Twelve female pups were collected for rehabilitation in
1995, These seals were held on Tern Island for up to 21 d before
transport to Oahu. During the holding period, they were treated
for bacterial infections and dehydration and were tube-fed
fluids, including a milk replacer formula and a herring slurry,
and force-fed herring. All collected pups were transported to
Oahu and remained in rehabilitation there for the remainder of
1995.

Habitat Use Study

In October and November, eight molted adult males were
instrumented with video cameras for 2 to 18 d. The seals were
instrumented as part of a habitat use pilot study conducted in
collaboration with the National Geographic Society. In November,
three other molted adult males were instrumented with both
satellite-linked time-depth recorders and radio transmitters and
tracked for 3 weeks to determine the satellite tag position
error.

Prey Availability

The Ecosystem and Environment Investigation (EEI) of the
Honolulu Laboratory, NMFS, conducted a study at FFS to determine
if a decline has occurred in fish stocks that are potential prey
for seals (DeMartini et al., 1993). A significant decline in
prey availability might explain the observed changes in condition
and survival of immature seals. In September, the EEI conducted
transects at nine stations around FFS to estimate densities of
higher taxonomic categories of reef fishes. These surveys
replicated surveys conducted at FFS during 1980-83 and 1992. The
EEI also began to test octopus trap designs in order to assess



_
62

Table 5.6.--Factors affecting Hawaiian monk seal survival at
Pearl and Hermes Reef in 1995,

Outcome

Size Sex Total Injured Died Probably died

Attack by Large Shark
(none observed)

Mounting by Male

Adult Female 1 1 0 0 |
Entanglement
Weaned pup Male 1? 0 0 te)
Unknown
Adult Female 1 1 0 0)

*Seal released by observers.
’Seal unilaterally blinded by fresh injury of unknown cause.



ETF ETE

zy


viii

(CONTENTS, continued)

Collection of Samples wee
RESULTS .
Population “abundance and Composition
Reproduction . . woe ee eee
Interatoll Movement woe ee
Factors Affecting Survival
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ........
TABLES . . . 1... ee ee eee

CHAPTER 5. THE HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL ON
PEARL AND HERMES REEF, 1995 .........
RESEARCH... rs
Censuses and Patrols | 11.1. !!
Individual Identification. .....
Collection of Samples rs
RESULTS . . .
Population Abundance ‘and Composition
Reproduction . woe ee wo
Interatoll Movement sone
Factors Affecting Survival
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ....... 2... ue
TABLES... 6 6 ee ee ee ee

CHAPTER 6. THE HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL AT
MIDWAY ATOLL, 1995
RESEARCH ee ee
Censuses and Patrols” oe
Individual Identification . .
Collection of Samples
Special Studies

Sighting Probability Calculations:

Disease Survey .
RESULTS ...
Population Abundance and composition
Reproduction .. wee oe
Interatoll Movement soe ee
Factors Affecting Survival
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS .......
TABLES ... er

CHAPTER 7. THE HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL AT
KURE ATOLL, 1995 ... . wee ee
RESEARCH . . . wee
Censuses and Patrols” rn
Individual Identification .
Collection of Samples
Special Studies

Monitoring Impacts of Past Management

Efforts

Introduction of Rehabilitated Seals



100

Appendix A.--Continued.

Stone, H. S.
1984. Hawaiian monk seal population research, Lisianski
Island, 1982. U.S. Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo. NOAA-
TM-NMFS-SWFSC-47, 33 p.

Westlake, R. L., and P. J. Siepmann.
1988. Hawaiian monk seal and green turtle research on
Lisianski Island, 1986. U.S. Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech.
Memo. NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFC-119, 18 p.

Pearl and Hermes Reef

Choy, B. K., and L. M. Hiruki.
1992. The Hawaiian monk seal and green turtle on Pearl and
Hermes Reef, 1988. U.S. Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo.
NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFSC-175, 18 p.

Finn, M. A., J. R. Henderson, B. L. Becker, and T. J. Ragen.
1993. The Hawaiian monk seal and green turtle at Pearl and
Hermes Reef, 1990 and 1992. U.S. Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech.
Memo. NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFSC-182, 29 p.

Forsyth, R. G., D. J. Alcorn, T. Gerrodette, and W. G. Gilmartin.
1988. The Hawaiian monk seal and green turtle on Pearl and
Hermes Reef, 1986. U.S. Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo.
NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFC-107, 24 p.

Kure Atoll

Bowlby, C. E., P. Scoggins, R. Watson, and M. Reddy.
1991. The Hawaiian monk seal, Monachus schauinslandi, at
Kure Atoll, 1982-83. U.S. Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo.
NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFSC-155, 28 p.

Gilmartin, W. G., R. J. Morrow, and A. M. Houtman.
1986. Hawaiian monk seal observations and captive
maintenance project at Kure Atoll, 1981. U.S. Dep.
Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo. NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFC-59, 9 p.

Henderson, J. R., and M. R. Finnegan
1990. Population monitoring of the Hawaiian monk seal,
Monachus schauinslandi, and captive maintenance project at
Kure Atoll, 1988. U.S. Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo.
NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFSC-150, 24 p.

Reddy, M. L.

1989. Population monitoring of the Hawaiian monk seal,
Monachus schauinslandi, and captive maintenance project
for female pups at Kure Atoll, 1987. U.S. Dep. Commer.,
NOAA Tech. Memo. NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFC-123, 37 Pp.



36

Table 3.6.--Factors affecting Hawaiian monk seal survival
at Laysan Island in 1995.

Outcome
Size Sex Total Injured Died Probably died
Attack by Large Shark
Adult Male 1 1 0 0
Female 1 1 0 0
Subadult Male 1 1 0 0
Female 1 1 0 ie)
Juvenile Male 1 1 te) 0
Female 1 1 ie) 0
Mounting by Males
Adult Male 1 1 0 0
Female 2? 1
Juvenile Female 2 1 0
Entanglement
Adult Female 1 1°
Subadult Female 1 (0) 0
Emaciated
Juvenile Female 1 0 0 1
Other/Unknown
Adult Male 1 1 0 ie)
Female 4 3 ) 0
Subadult Female 1 1 0 le)
Weaned pup Female 1 1 0 0
Nursing pup Male 2 0 2 0
Female 2 0 2 0
Unknown 1 0 1 0

‘Event was observed and involved two males mounting a
lactating female. The resulting injuries appeared to be
minor. ;

*Seal escaped by itself.

°Seal was released by observers.

*Parturient female had a prolapsed uterus. This condition
resolved itself.



109

P4 = Nursing pup, molting
P5 = Nursing pup, molted

PW = Prematurely weaned/undersized weaned pup (weaned < 2 wks ago
and < 90cm girth)

W = Weaned pup

Immatures

I = Immature
J = Juvenile
dl = Juvenile I
J2 = Juvenile II
S = Subadult
S83 = Subadult III
S84 = Subadult IV

Adults

A = Adult

Unknowns

U = Seal of unknown size

Turtles
T = Turtle
Tl = Turtle, juvenile (<65 cm)
T2 = Turtle, subadult (65 - 80 cm)
T3 = Turtle, adult (>80 cm)
SEX M = Male Female == nipples
F = Female a
U = Unknown es
ons
penile opening and groove
BEACH POS. Location of seal or turtle when observer comes abreast of animal

(e.g., if seal is seen in the water from a distance and yet is on
the beach when the observer come abreast, the seal is recorded as
being on the beach). When recording male-male interactions (at
Laysan and Lisianski Islands in 1995), make a continuation line
previous to the original line to indicate that the seal changed
beach position before you come abreast of it.

0 = animal floating or swimming in water (not included in
census tally but may be used for behavioral data or other
analysis) .

le on the beach

= on an offshore rock (not included in census tally).



39

Lisianski Island (lat. 26°02'N, long. 174°00’W) is one of
the major haulout and pupping locations of the Hawaiian monk
seal. The island is located ca. 1,760 km northwest of Oahu (Fig.
1.1), and is part of Neva Shoal, a shallow reef bank within the
Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge.

RESEARCH

Research was conducted by the National Marine Fisheries
Service during April 19-July 14. The perimeter of the island was
divided into 20 sectors using artificial or natural landmarks
(Fig. 4.1). In 1995, research objectives specific to this
population included identification of all seals, and
documentation of adult male behavioral patterns and aggression.

Censuses and Patrols

Censuses and patrols were scheduled to ensure that the
entire island was monitored at least once each day during April
19-July 10. Censuses (n = 14) were conducted by two observers
every 6th day from April 21 to July 8, beginning at 1300 Hawaiian
Standard Time and continuing for 1.0 to 1.7 h. Standardized
behaviour patrols were conducted on noncensus days to assess
activity patterns of adults and large subadults, document male
aggression, and detect mobbing incidents. During these patrols
(n = 63), attention was directed out to sea as much as possible
because mobbing has been observed most frequently in the water.

Individual Identification

A total of 220 individuals (198 excluding pups) were
identified by existing or applied tags, bleach marks, scars, or
natural markings. All weaned pups (n = 17) were tagged with
Temple Tags and passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags. Ten
immature seals (4 male, 6 female) were also tagged with Temple
Tags and PIT tags.

Collection of Samples

One hundred and seven scat and spew samples were collected.
Tissue samples were collected from 23 seals during tagging.
Necropsies were performed and tissue samples were collected from
three dead seals. Skeletal samples were collected from two dead
seals. In total, 1,201 pieces of potentially entangling debris
were inventoried and destroyed.