64
Special Studies

Monitoring Impacts of Past Management Efforts

The Head Start Project (1981-91) and the Rehabilitation
Project (1984-91) used a temporary beach enclosure, stocked with
locally trapped live reef fish to enhance first year survival of
weaned female pups and to introduce rehabilitated yearlings from
French Frigate Shoals (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 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 1994, observers assessed the
survival of weaned female pups and seals that had gone through
the Head Start and Rehabilitation Projects in previous years, to
determine the effectiveness of these past management efforts.

Introduction of Rehabilitated Seals

The Rehabilitation Project was continued in 1994 with the
introduction of eight yearling females. These animals were not
Maintained in a beach enclosure but were released directly from
their cages onto the west beach of Green Island. Six animals
were released in February and two were released in March.

RESULTS
Population Abundance and Composition

The means (+SD) for eight atoll censuses were 62 seals
(+7.3) including pups, and 58 seals (17.4) excluding pups (Table
6.1). The total spring population was 118 individuals, 112
excluding pups (Table 6.2). The numbers of tagged known-age
seals born at Kure Atoll during the period from 1981 to 1993 and
resighted there in 1994, are summarized in Table 6.3.

Reproduction

At least six pups were born: three were weaned, one
disappeared prior to weaning, and two were still nursing at the
end of this study (Table 6.4a). Field studies occurred before
the main reproductive period, and additional pups were probably
born after the field season. Nursing periods and measurements of
weaned pups are summarized in Table 6.4b. One parturient female
had been temporarily maintained as a pup in the Kure Atoll Head
Start enclosure, and two were rehabilitated seals from FFS that
were introduced to Kure as yearlings via the Head Start
enclosure.



26

seals. In total, 598 pieces of potentially entangling debris
were inventoried and destroyed with the exception of one that was
removed from a seal and collected.

Special Studies
Collection of Adult Males for Translocation

Twenty-two adult male seals were collected from Laysan
Island; 1 male died shortly after capture, and the remaining 21
males were translocated to the main Hawaiian Islands. The
purpose of the translocation was to correct the skewed adult sex
ratio on Laysan Island, and thereby reduce the incidence of
mobbing. Translocated seals were held in an enclosure for 7 to
14 days, and then transported on board the NOAA ship Townsend
Cromwell. The animals were retagged with Temple Tags and PIT
tags as needed and were tagged with additional red Temple Tags to
indicate that they had been translocated to the main Hawaiian
Islands. They were released separately offshore of the main
islands. Five males were instrumented with satellite
transmitters to facilitate monitoring of their movements after
release.

Survival of Oiled Seals

Sixteen of 17 seals observed with oiled pelage in the
spring of 1993 on Laysan Island were sighted there in 1994.
These seals seemed to be in good health; however, sublethal or
long-term effects could not be evaluated.

RESULTS
Population Abundance and Composition

The means (+SD) for 20 censuses were 99 seals (+10.3)
including pups, and 75 seals (48.8) excluding pups (Table 3.1).
The total spring-summer population was 270 individuals, 221
excluding pups (Table 3.2). The sex ratios of non-pup immature
seals and adults were 0.9:1 (31 males: 34 females) and 1.2:1 (84
males: 71 females), respectively. Within the adult class, the
male-skewed sex ratio was due to older (>11 years of age) seals,
where the male to female ratio was 1.4:1 (52 males: 38 females) ;
in adult-sized seals <11 years of age, the sex ratio was 1.0:1

(32 males: 33 females). The sex ratio at the end of the field
season, after the removal of 22 adult males (including one that
died) was 0.9:1 (62 males: 71 females). The numbers of tagged

known-age seals born at Laysan Island during the period from 1983
to 1993 and resighted there in 1994, are summarized in Table 3.3.

i
\
i
|
i



NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS

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,
reflects sound professional work and may be referenced in the formal
scientific and technical literature.



REFERENCES



g1
1994
CENSUS FORM DIRECTIONS
Entry Description

DATA TYPE = Census: a complete count on an island begun around
1300
Atoll: atoll-wide census (must be completed within 2
days)

Behavior patrol: a former patrol where associations
are recorded (Laysan Island only)
= Patrol: any other observation not on a timed census
= Incidental: incidental observations

“tv BD FO
ul

Other letters may be used at your discretion to indicate
specific kinds of noncensus data, e.g., M for male

observations.

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 number within a census or patrol. For example, if the
census (or patrol) requires three pages, then mark the first
page as " page | 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.

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.



TABLES



84

Appendix A.--Continued.

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 p.



35

Table 3.5a.--Known movement of Hawaiian monk seals to Laysan
Island from other locations in 1994, summarized by
movements between two locations. Some seals made
more than one trip.

Original location Number, size, and sex class
French Frigate Shoals 6 adult females
Lisianski Island 2 adult females,

3 subadult males,
1 subadult female

Table 3.5b.--Known movement of Hawaiian monk seals from Laysan
Island to other locations in 1994, summarized by
movements between two locations. Some seals made
more than one trip.

Destination Number, size, and sex class

French Frigate Shoals 3 adult females



43

Table 4.1.--Summary statistics for censuses of Hawaiian monk
seals at Lisianski Island in 1994.

Size/Sex

Mean number of Standard
individuals deviation

Adults
Male
Female
Unknown
Subadults
Male
Female
Unknown
Juvenile
Male
Female
Unknown
Pups
Male
Female
Unknown
Non-pup Total

Grand Total

(Census counts were not conducted as
described on page 39.)



Table 6.3.--Summary of tagged known-age seals born at Kure Atoll
and resighted there in 1994.

71

Age Number originally Number resighted
(years) Sex tagged in 1994
13 Male 3 2

Female 5 2
12 Male 1 te)
Female 3 3
11 Male 4 2
Female 0 NA
10 Male 4 2
Female 2 2
9 Male 2 1
Female 3 2
8 Male 1 1
Female 0 NA
7 Male 1 1
Female 3 2
6 Male 2 2
Female 5 2
5 Male 5 3
Female 4 1
4 Male 3 0
Female 3 2
3 Male 7 5
Female 6 4
2 Male 5 4
Female 8 5
1 Male 9 8
Female 4 3

|
i
|
|
i
|
|
|
|
|
i
|
|
|



26°
4+
30"N| (as PRET
vi _vegetation
, line
a+
N
4' OS maces eee
30"
t f
58'30" 58" 173°5730"Ww

Fig. 4.1. Lisianski Island

in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.



74

Table 6.6.--Factors affecting Hawaiian monk seal survival at Kure
Atoll in 1994.

Outcome

Size Sex Total Injured Died Probably died

Attack by Large Shark
Subadult Male 1 1 0 te)

Mounting by Males

Adult Female 1 1 0 0
Entanglement
Juvenile Female 1? 0 0 0)
Unknown
Adult Unknown 1 - 1 -

*Seal released by observers.
’Seal found recently dead at beginning of field season, cause
of death unknown.



CHAPTER 5. THE HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL AT
MIDWAY ISLANDS, 1994

L. L. Eberhardt and K. V. Eberhardt



99

Entry

Description

BEHAVIOR

Up to four behaviors may be recorded for each association,
but N, X, and O 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 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:

B1 = nip

B2 = draws blood/breaks skin
C = Chase:”

C1 = <2 body lengths”
C2 = >2 body lengths”
D = Seal displaces another (see CONTEST RULES)”
F = Flee/move away:
F1 = <2 body lengths
F2 = >2 body lengths
J = Joust/spar/fight:”
J10 = 308
J2 = >30s°
M = Mount/attempted mount
M1 = <30s
M2 = >30s
P = Play*
R = Submissive roll/present ventral
V = 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.

(BEHAVIOR continued on following page)



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
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.

Individual Identification

During censuses and patrols, individual seals were
identified by tags, applied bleach marks, scars, or natural
markings. As soon after weaning as possible, all 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) .

Most immature seals were tagged as weaned pups, and
therefore were of known age. Temple Tags have been applied to
nearly all weaned pups, beginning in 1981 at Kure Atoll, 1982 at
Lisianski Island, 1983 at Laysan Island and Pearl and Hermes
Reef, and 1984 at French Frigate Shoals. Temple Tags were
applied to weaned pups opportunistically at Midway Islands,
Necker and Nihoa Islands, and the main Hawaiian Islands beginning
in 1983. In addition, PIT tags have been implanted into most
weaned pups since 1991. In 1994, untagged immature seals were
tagged with Temple Tags which were uniquely coded to indicate
that their ages and birth locations were unknown, and sometimes
also received PIT tags. Immature seals, and adult males on
Laysan Island, with lost or broken tags, were retagged with
Temple Tags or PIT tags, or both, to maintain their identities.

At three locations (Laysan Island, Midway Islands, and Kure
Atoll), adult, subadult, and untagged immature seals were bleach-
marked for individual identification (Stone, 1984), using the
solution described in Johanos et al. (1987). Molting adult
females and untagged weaned pups on Laysan Island 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

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



CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION .

MATERIALS AND METHODS . .
Censuses and Patrols
Reproduction
Factors Affecting Survival
Individual Identification
Measurements of Seals
Collection of Samples

CHAPTER 2. THE HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL ON
FRENCH FRIGATE SHOALS, 1994 .
RESEARCH . . . fone
Censuses and Patrols” sone
Individual Identification .
Collection of Samples
Special Studies

Seals Collected for Rehabilitation

RESULTS

Reproduction

Interatoll Movement

Factors Affecting Survival
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS woe ee
TABLES ... se ee

CHAPTER 3. THE HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL ON
LAYSAN ISLAND, 1994 .
RESEARCH .. . hone
Censuses and Patrols. : .
Individual Identification .
Collection of Samples .
Special Studies...

Collection of Adult Males” for Translocation

Survival of Oiled Seals
RESULTS

Population Abundance and Composition

Reproduction
Interatoll Movement .
Factors Affecting Survival
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ....
TABLES rs

CHAPTER 4. THE HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL ON
LISIANSKI ISLAND, 1994
RESEARCH .
Censuses and Patrols” sone
Individual Identification . .
Collection of Samples tone
RESULTS .. .

Population Abundance and Composition

Population “Abundance and Composition

Hy
Q
o

YIAU RWW



46

Table 4.4.--Summary of Hawaiian monk seals born at Lisianski

Island in 1994.

Number of pups

Event Male Female Unknown Total
Born 4 5 3 12
Died prior to weaning 0 0 0 0
Still nursing 0 0 1 1
Weaned 4 5 2 11
Tagged 4 5 (0) 9



83

Appendix A.--Continued.

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.

Johanos, 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.

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.



94

Entry

Description

CONDITION

Condition must be recorded for all seals (except nursing
pups) on census or atoll count. During census or atoll
count, record the condition of nursing pups on their first
sighting post-partum, using the codes N or A. During
patrol or incidental data collection, note the condition of the
mom and pup on their first sighting post-partum or post-
weaning, and note the condition of seals that are injured or
in unusual condition.

Condition codes:

P = Probably pregnant N = Normal (for nursing pups)
F = Fat A = Abnormal/sick (primarily
M = Medium for nursing pups)

T = Thin X = Data not taken

E = Emaciated

ID DATA

TIP

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.

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

(Next entry on following page)



NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS

NT OF ¢,
av My,

%,

a MAY 1996
By
. €

SS
Staves oF

9

oo” + DEp 4,

THE HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL IN THE
NORTHWESTERN HAWAIIAN ISLANDS, 1994

Compiled and Edited by

Thea C. Johanos
Timothy J. Ragen

NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFSC-229 |

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE |
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Marine Fisheries Service

Southwest Fisheries Science Center



EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

During 1994, field studies of the endangered Hawaiian monk
seal (Monachus schauinslandi) were conducted at most of its main
reproductive sites in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, although
Lisianski Island was only visited for a single day, and Pearl and
Hermes Reef was not visited. Nihoa and Necker Islands (where
limited pupping occurs) were also not visited in 1994. 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. The availability of up-to-date
information is essential for ongoing efforts to mitigate the
decline of this species and enhance its recovery.

Studies conducted during 1994 indicated that significant
problems continued to impede the species’ recovery. The total
number of births at all main reproductive sites except Pearl and
Hermes Reef was 181 pups, well above the marked low of 142 pups
born at all main reproductive sites during 1990. However,
mortality of immature seals remained extremely high at French
Frigate Shoals, the largest population, and the total of mean
beach counts remained well below counts in the mid 1980s.

Mobbing continued to be a significant problem; at Laysan Island,
three animals either died or disappeared after receiving mounting
injuries.

In 1994, three management activities were conducted to
enhance recovery of the species. First, weaned female pups were
collected from French Frigate Shoals and transported to Oahu for
rehabilitation to salvage the reproductive potential lost because
of the high mortality of immature seals. Second, rehabilitated
yearling females, collected from French Frigate Shoals in 1993,
were released at Kure Atoll to enhance the recovery of its long-
depleted population. Third, adult males were translocated from
Laysan Island to the main Hawaiian Islands to correct the skewed
sex ratio at Laysan, and thereby reduce the incidence of mobbing.
This document describes these and other field studies conducted
during 1994. !



33

Table 3.3.--Summary of tagged known-age seals born at Laysan
Island and resighted there in 1994.

Age Number originally Number resighted
(years) Sex tagged in 1994
11 Male 10 1

Female 10 6
10 Male 16 4
Female 13 5
9 Male 16 5
Female 14 5
8 Male 15 4
Female 17 3
7 Male 13 3
Female 15 6
6 Male 23 6
Female 17 3
5 Male 16 4
Female 13 4
4 Male 7 3
Female 9 5
3 Male 18 8
Female 13 10
2 Male 18 6
Female 14 6
1 Male 23 7
Female 14 8



101

Entry

Description

NOTES

xs Z-ToeoMmD

There is room to code 2 different notes. Always use the
first column first. Code an H if you have handwritten
notes on the observaion. Put handwritten notes on the
bottom of the census form, labeled by line number. If
more than two note codes apply, use continuation lines.
However, the D code must appear on the original line.

iow

Artwork (scars down)
Birth, first sighting post-partum (mom and pup)
Seal is dead

= Seal is green with algae
= Handwritten notes

First sighting after an interatoll movement
Marked, bleach number first applied/reapplied
post-molt

Weaning, first sighting post-weaning (pup)

Pup exchange, first sighting after a pup exchange



96

Entry

Description

TAG NO.

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--RT5 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).

LIR is the tag position:
L = Tag on left flipper.
R = Tag on right flipper.
B = Tags on both flippers (enter one tag number).

COL = Color: color code. See the Tag Sample Kit if
unsure of the colors.

Temple Tags Other tag types

I

Yellow (FFS) M = Metal, Monel
Tan/brown (Laysan) P = Plastic, Riese
= Green (Lisianski) C = Clear, PIT tag
= Blue (Pearl & Hermes)

K = Silver/gray (Kure)

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

Y
T
G
B

? column: 0 = Seal is definitely not tagged.

1 = Seal is tagged, but the number is
questionable.

4 = Partially read tag completed from other
data.

5 = Incompletely read tag, but partial data are
certain (if seal can’t be identified by ID or
Temporary #).

8 = Tag lost. Fill out tag position (L/R/B)
and the tag condition event. Complete the
tag number and color from other data
before entry.



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 semi-permanent sand spits (Fig. 2.1).

RESEARCH

Research was conducted by the National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS) during February 6-17 and March 29-September 17.
In addition, incidental observations were recorded by U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service personnel during the rest of the year. The
perimeters of six of the larger islands were divided into sectors
using artificial or natural landmarks. In 1994, research
objectives specific to this population included capture of
undersized weaned pups for rehabilitation and translocation.

Censuses and Patrols

Atoll censuses (n = 10) were conducted every 7 d, on
average, from May 16 to July 26. 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. From February 12 to September 10, 1994, NMFS personnel
conducted 15 censuses of seals on Tern Island.

Patrols were conducted on non-census days. East, Mullet,
Round, and Whaleskate Islets were visited every 6 d during May
through August to monitor pupping activity. Patrols of Tern
Island were conducted every 3 d during April through August.

Individual Identification

A total of 460 individuals (349 excluding pups) were
identified by existing or applied tags, scars, or natural
markings. Most weaned pups were tagged (n = 95; 92 in 1994 and 3
in early 1995) with Temple Tags; 81 of these same pups were
tagged with passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags. Two
immature female seals were retagged with Temple Tags.

Collection of Samples

One hundred and twenty six scat and spew samples were
collected. Eighty tissue samples were collected from weaned pups
and other seals during tagging. Necropsies were performed on
four dead seals, and tissue samples and skulls were collected
from all necropsied seals. In total, 76 pieces of potentially
entangling debris were inventoried and destroyed.



59

Table 5.5a.--Known movement of Hawaiian monk seals to Midway
Islands from other locations in 1994, summarized by
movements between two locations. No seals made more
than one trip.

Original location Number, size, and sex class
Kure Atoll 1 adult male,

1 adult female,

2 subadult females,

2 juvenile females

Table 5.5b.--Known movement of Hawaiian monk seals from Midway
Islands to other locations in 1994, summarized by
movements between two locations. No seals made more
than one trip.

Destination Number, size, and sex class

Kure Atoll 2 subadult females



108

CONTEST RULES

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

2. 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)
* Pair type #3: single adult male not pair type #1 or #2
3. 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 >1, regardless of other behaviors
4. Definition of winner or loser adult male:
a
Case Winner (W) : Loser (Q) Tie (Y)
Paired Male vs. Single Male: i) Original Single Male Has F No Ties
(#1 or #2 vs. #3) if has D
ii) Original Paired Male No Ties
otherwise
Male Paired with Adult Female vs. | i) Original Male Paired Has F No Ties
Male Paired with Juvenile Seal: with Juvenile if has D
(#1 vs. #2)
ii) Original Male Paired No Ties
with Adult Female
otherwise
Paired Male vs. Paired Male where Has D Has F Tie if no D
both pairs are same type:
(#1 vs. #1 or
#2 vs. #2) i
Single Male vs. Single Male: | Has DorC Has F Tie if no D
(#3 vs. #3) i or C



85

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, S.
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.



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. 1760 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 for a single day, July 20. The perimeter of the island
was divided into 20 sectors using artificial or natural landmarks
(Fig. 4.1). In 1994, research objectives specific to this
population were minimal; priorities were tagging pups and
destroying debris.

Censuses and Patrols

No censuses were conducted. The island was patroled
throughout the single day of field effort.

Individual Identification

A total of 44 individuals (35 excluding pups) were
identified by existing or applied tags, and natural markings.
Most weaned pups were tagged (n = 9) with Temple Tags and passive
integrated transponder (PIT) tags. No other seals were tagged.

Collection of Samples

Six tissue samples were collected from weaned pups during
tagging. No other samples were collected. Because of the
limited time available, debris items were not inventoried.
However, observers destroyed all potentially entangling marine
debris found on approximately one-half of the island’s perimeter.

RESULTS
Population Abundance and Composition

No information on population abundance or composition was
obtained in 1994.

Reproduction
At least 12 pups were born; 11 were weaned and 1 was still

nursing (Table 4.4). No information on nursing periods, number
of reproductive females, or pup exchanges was collected.



52

Collection of Samples
No samples were collected at Midway Islands in 1994.
Special Studies

Sighting Probability Calculations

Probability calculations suggested that the 29 seals
identified may have been the entire "population" using Midway
Islands at the time of the study (Eberhardt and Eberhardt, 1994).

RESULTS
Population Abundance and Composition

Atoll censuses were not conducted in 1994. The total
spring-summer resident population was 29 individuals, 25
excluding pups (Table 5.2). The sex ratios of non-pup immatures
and adults were 0.2:1 (2 males: 10 females) and 0.3:1 (3 males:
10 females), respectively. The numbers of tagged known-age seals
born at Midway during the period from 1988 to 1993 and resighted
there in 1994, are summarized in Table 5.3.

Reproduction

At least four pups were born: two were weaned and two were
still nursing at the end of this study (Table 5.4).

Interatoll Movement
Interatoll movement was documented for eight seals that
made a total of eight movements between Midway Islands and Kure
Atoll (Tables 5.5a and b).

Factors Affecting Survival

Mounting attempts by males resulted in one life-threatening
condition (Table 5.6).

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We acknowledge the support of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge.



Table 5.4.--Summary of Hawaiian monk seals born at Midway

Islands in 1994.

58

Number of pups

Event Male Female Unknown Total
Born 1 ie) 3 4
Died prior to weaning (0) 0 0 0
Still nursing (e) te) 2 2
Weaned 1 0) 1 2
Tagged 0 0 te) te)



TABLES


Lt

| ASSOCIATION |
Line | 3) nehavice

Moun
algllal:(g

No

?



100

Entry

Description

(BEHAVIOR, continued)

(1) Individual seal, continued)

b) Spatial association
N = Mother-pup pair (any distance). Does not
imply 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
L1 = Pair association’ A/S4 male paired
with/defending an adult
female or immature of
either sex (actual sex may

be unknown).
Q_ = Loser’ , ) Codes used for A/S4 male-male
W_ = Winner’ } contests only (actual sexes may
Y = Tie be unknown), See the attached

CONTEST RULES.

* Requires a corresponding code on the line of the
associated seal:

Code Corresponding code
C,C1,C2...... F, F1, or F2
| F, F1, or F2
J, J1, J2 ... J, J1, and J2, respectively
Pio... ... P
re L1
[0 WwW
Ww . Q
rr Y

2) Nothing nearby
O = No behavior or association.

3) No data
X = No association data recorded on Census or Atoll



47

Table 4.5a.--Known movement of Hawaiian monk seals to Lisianski
Island from other locations in 1994, summarized by
movements between two locations.

Original location Number, size, and sex class

No immigrations to Lisianski were documented.

Table 4.5b.--Known movement of Hawaiian monk seals from Lisianski
Island to other locations in 1994, summarized by
movements between two locations. No seals made more
than one trip.

Destination Number, size, and sex class

Laysan Island 2 adult females,
3 subadult males,
1 subadult female



f

NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS

This TM series is used for documentation and timely communication of preliminary results, interim reports, or special

oN, ‘purpose information. The TMs have not recalved complete formal review, editorial control, or detailed editing,

AS

‘3
NT)
—

THE HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL IN THE
NORTHWESTERN HAWAIIAN ISLANDS, 1994

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-229

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Ronald H. Brown, 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

MAY 1996



73

Table 6.5a.--Known movement of Hawaiian monk seals to Kure Atoll
from other locations in 1994, summarized by
movements between two locations. No seal made more
than one trip.

Original location Number, size, and sex class
Pearl and Hermes Reef 1 Adult female
Midway Islands 2 Subadult females

Table 6.5b.--Known movement of Hawaiian monk seals from Kure
Atoll to other locations in 1994, summarized by
movements between two locations. No seal made more
than one trip.

Destination Number, size, and sex class

Midway Islands 1 Adult male,
1 Adult female,
2 Subadult females,
2 Juvenile females



57

Table 5.3.--Summary of tagged known-age seals born at Midway
Islands and resighted there in 1994.

Age Number originally Number resighted
(years) Sex tagged in 1994

6 Male i) NA
Female 1 te)
3 Male 1 1
Female 1 1
2 Male 0 NA
Female 1 1
1 Male 1 0
Female 0 NA



27

Reproduction

At least 49 pups were born: 47 weaned and 2 died prior to
weaning (Table 3.4a). Nursing periods and measurements of weaned
pups are summarized in Table 3.4b. Forty-nine of 71 (69%) adult-
sized females were parturient. At least 14 pup exchanges
occurred between 14 nursing females; researchers observed two of
these incidents. Two unusual temporary weanings (i.e., a nursing
female abandoned her pup, and then returned) were documented.

Interatoll Movement

Interatoll movement was documented for 10 seals that made a
total of 15 movements between Laysan Island and French Frigate
Shoals or Lisianski Island (Tables 3.5a and b). A bleached seal
of unknown size and sex from Laysan was sighted by a fishing boat
at Raita Bank, possibly a foraging site.

Factors Affecting Survival

Attacks by large sharks, mounting attempts by males,
entanglement, and other-unknown factors led to 21 life-
threatening conditions, which resulted in the confirmed deaths of
six animals and the probable deaths of two other seals (Table
3.6). One mobbing event was observed and resulted in injuries to
the subject seal before researchers intervened, causing the seals
to disperse. Three seals died or probably died following
unobserved mobbing events. Three seals were entangled and were
released by observers. In addition to the deaths listed in Table
3.6, two aborted fetuses were found.

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 NOAA ship Townsend
Cromwell. William Gilmartin, Chad Yoshinaga, Michele Finn, Pam
Frierson, Cindy Newton, Tanya Holonko, Jerry Kermode, Ramona
Visnak, Victoria deBettencourt, John Henderson, Tim Ragen, and
Thea Johanos also participated in the selection, capture, and
translocation of adult males. Special thanks are extended to
Josh Adams, Dick Bauer, Monette Boswell, Vanessa Gauger, Brad
Keitt, and Hannah Nevins (all of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service) for assistance in data collection; and John Klavitter
and NOAA Officer Brian Parker for field assistance on Laysan
Island.



CHAPTER 3. THE HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL ON
LAYSAN ISLAND, 1994

Brenda L. Becker, Heather L. Johnston, Lucy W. Keith,
and Cynthia A. Vanderlip



CHAPTER 4. THE HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL ON
LISIANSKI ISLAND, 1994

John R. Henderson



63

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. 2300 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, enclosing
a 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.

RESEARCH

Research was conducted by the National Marine Fisheries
Service during February 9-March 25. The perimeter of the largest
vegetated island was divided into eight sectors, using artificial
or natural landmarks. In 1994, research objectives specific to
this population included assessing the impacts of past management
efforts and release of seals translocated from French Frigate
Shoals (FFS).

Censuses and Patrols

Atoll censuses (n = 8) were conducted approximately every 4
days, weather permitting, from February 19 to March 22. Each
census began between 1300 and 1400 Hawaii standard time and ended
between 1500 and 1600. Stark Reef was not censused. The
remaining islands were censused on foot by one or two persons.

In addition, patrols were conducted on non-census days to
identify seals and monitor locations where females pupped.

Individual Identification

A total of 119 individuals (113 excluding pups) were
identified by existing or applied tags, bleach marks, scars, or
natural markings. All weaned pups were tagged (n = 3) with
Temple Tags and also received passive integrated transponder
(PIT) tags.

Collection of Samples
No tissue samples were collected. In total, 40 pieces of

potentially entangling debris were inventoried and destroyed with
the exception of one that was removed from a seal and collected.



87

Appendix B.--Hawaiian monk seal census form and 1994 census form
directions.

(See following pages.)



31

Table 3.1.--Summary statistics for censuses

Hawaiian monk seals at Laysan Island from March 26 to

June 29, 1994.

(n = 20) of

Mean number of Standard
Size/Sex individuals deviation
Adults 53.2 7.6
Male 25.0 4.7
Female 26.3 4.9
Unknown 1.9 2.0
Subadults 9.4 3.0
Male 5.1 1.8
Female 4.1 1.7
Unknown 0.3 0.7
Juveniles 11.9 4.4
Male 4.4 2.4
Female 6.6 2.2
Unknown 0.9 1.0
Pups 24.2 9.2
Male 10.3 4.0
Female 12.4 6.3
Unknown 1.5 1.8
Non-pup Total 74.6 8.8
Grand Total 98.8 10.3



106

a
Faded Tag May Appear As

Original Tag Color

Temple Tags

Light Tan (A, T, K, L series @ Laysan)

Gray, Light Yellow, White

Dark Tan/Brown (later series @ Laysan)

Red

Gray (A, T, K, L, N, F, U, G series @ Kure) Light Tan
Silver Gray (600-900, O, Z and later @ Kure) Metal

, Rd ssS—STMS Orange
Yellow
Green (dark forest) cman dark Blue, Navy

, Blue (light) _—
means):

White Yellow
Red Orange
Orange Red
Yellow ~~ White
Green Blue
Blue Green

JmTM"On a census oF aol count, ris assumed that conaiion, mort and disturbance data will

be taken. At locations other than Laysan Island and Kure Atoll, it is not assumed that

association data will be taken on census or atoll count in 1994, 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 back in

Honolulu. If you wish to indicate that a seal was alone, use the O behavior code. At
Laysan Island and Kure Atoll in 1994, it is assumed that behavioral data will be taken
on census (and during behavior patrol). Thus, on a census or behavior patrol data sheet
from Laysan Island or Kure Atoll, 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 O code for

each unassociated animal on census or during behavior patrol at these locations because
it will be filled in by computer back in Honolulu. If you are unable to record
association data on a census or behavior patrol at Laysan Island or Kure Atoll for any

reason, indicate this with an X for the behavior code.



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 and in the wild at each location from March through August
and all pups born during the calendar 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.

Measurements of Seals

Straight dorsal length (Winchell, 1990) and axillary girth
(American Society of Mammalogists, 1967) were measured on weaned
pups at the time of tagging to determine monk seal growth
patterns and to assess the effects of size on survival. At
French Frigate Shoals, weights of juvenile seals were measured by
suspending the seal in a net from a spring scale.

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
these genetic analyses are to investigate paternity patterns and
determine genetic variability within and among populations.

For each dead seal recovered, an external examination was
made, photographs were taken, external measurements and
observations were recorded. The skull was collected for all
seals except nursing 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 from seals were collected, following
the methods in Alcorn (1984) for analysis of food habits.
Emphasis was placed on collecting scat and spew 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 items capable of
entangling seals and turtles were inventoried and destroyed,
following the methods in Johanos and Kam (1986).



SEAL CENSUS FORM oO
ENTERED
DATATYPE cowpurm paceno. LT TT] PAGE oF

map ——i tse CT meron CT TT] a CLL

‘ABT = TAG MOL] _| ASSOCIATION EVENT

w]e] sli [z|nee [ESI coe

we
#
5

LR

Col
5

CENSUSFM.GED Rev. 3/93



95

Entry

Description

TEMPORARY ID NO.

PERMANENT ID NO.

Record the temporary ID number (or bleach number) or
seal 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-).

? column: 0 = 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.

W

Record the 4-digit permanent ID number of seal if known
(put both the island-specific prefix and next digit in the first
box provided).

? column: 0 = seal is definitely not an [Ded animal.
1 = ID number is questionable.
<blank> = ID number is certain and complete if

‘esent.



The endangered Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi)
hauls out and breeds in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, (NWHI,
Fig. 1.1). The Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Honolulu
Laboratory, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), began
research on Hawaiian monk seals at most major reproductive sites
in the NWHI in 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 Islands, where current pup
production is well below historical levels, and at Nihoa and
Necker Islands, where pup production is limited by lack of
suitable haulout area. Reports summarizing past NMFS research
are listed in Appendix A.

In 1994, 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 1994 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, animals 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
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), disturbance index (the extent



93
Entry Description
SIZE P= = Nursing pup:
P1 = wrinkles
P2 = no wrinkles
P3 = blimp, black
P4 = molting
P5 = molted
PW = Prematurely weaned/undersized weaned pup
(weaned <2 weeks ago and <90 cm girth)
W = Weaned pup
J = Juvenile and | = Immature:
Ji = Juvenile I
J2 = Juvenile I
S = = Subadult and | = Immature:
$3 = Subadult III
$4 = Subadult IV
A = Adult
T = Turtle:
T1 = Juvenile (<65 cm)
T2 = Subadult (65-80 cm)
T3 = Adult (>80 cm)
U-—= = Seal of unknown size
SEX M = = Male
F = Female
Us = Unknown
BEACH POS. Location of seal or turtle when observer comes abreast of

ixeoo
Hol

animal (e.g., if seal is seen in the water from a distance
and yet is on the beach when the observer comes abreast,
the seal is recorded as being on the beach). When
recording male-male interactions (at Laysan Island and
Kure Atoll in 1994), 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).

On the beach.

On an offshore rock (not included in census tally).
Data not taken.



104

Entry

TYPE

T = Tag condition

V = Vestibule

Description
CODES
COLUMN CONTENT
1 Web
A-D = From inner (medial) to outer web
E = Ankle
P= = Posterior
Us = Unknown
2 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).
D = Dorsal
V = Ventral
B = Both
U = Unknown
3 Condition
B = Broken R= Recovered
F = Faded color U = = Unreadable
G = Good Vv s= Tag side
L = Tag lost reversed
N = No/partial W = No. worn/
resin abraded
P = Pulling out O = Other
ONLY NOTE VESTIBULE STATUS AT
LAYSAN ISLAND AND KURE ATOLL IN
1994
1 Vestibule code

0 = No swelling, normal

1 Slight swelling, puffy

2 = Extensive swelling, dark protruding
tissue



65

Interatoll Movement

Interatoll movement was documented for nine seals that made
a total of nine movements between Kure Atoll and Pearl and Hermes
Reef or Midway Islands (Table 6.5a and b).

Factors Affecting Survival
Attacks by large sharks, mounting attempts by males,
entanglement, and unknown factors led to four life-threatening
conditions, which resulted in the death of one seal (Table 6.6).
One seal was entangled and subsequently released by observers.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We acknowledge the State of Hawaii, Department of Land and
Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife.



CHAPTER 6. THE HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL AT
KURE ATOLL, 1994

Mitchell P. Craig, Lucy W. Keith, and Cynthia A. Vanderlip



19

Table 2.3.--Summary of tagged known-age seals born at French
Frigate Shoals and resighted there in 1994.

Age Number originally Number resighted
(years) Sex tagged in 1994
10 Male 49 14

Female 43 24
9 Male 48 10
Female 38 16
8 Male 52 13
Female 48 20
7 Male 55 17
Female 51 17
6 Male 52 9
Female 62 9
5 Male 51 10
Female 50 8
4 Male 41 2
Female 38 2
3 Male 24 2
Female 44 6
2 Male 36 2
Female 55 15
1 Male 40 12
Female 39 10



51

Midway Islands (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 2100 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. 5.1). 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 (FWS), 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). Since the late
1960s, the population has failed to recover, and the majority of
the seals currently at the site appear to be immigrants or
offspring of immigrants. However, 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 not conducted by the National Marine Fisheries
Service at Midway Islands in 1994, but censuses and incidental
observations were recorded by collaborating scientists during
March 5-31. In addition, incidental observations were recorded
by FWS personnel during the rest of the year. The perimeters of
the three permanent islands were divided into sectors using
artificial or natural landmarks. In 1994, research objectives
specific to Midway Islands included the identification of all
seals in the resident population, and estimation of the
proportion identified using sighting probability calculations.

Censuses and Patrols

Atoll censuses were not conducted at Midway Islands in
1994. Beach counts of Sand Island (n = 19), Eastern Island (n =
9), or Spit Island (n = 3) were conducted during March 5-30 to
identify and resight seals.

Individual Identification
A total of 29 individuals (25 excluding pups) were

identified by existing tags, bleach marks, scars, or natural
markings. No seals were tagged.



56

Table 5.2.--Composition of the Hawaiian monk seal population at
Midway Islands during the spring and summer of 1994.
Includes all pups born during the calendar year.

Number of seals

Sex ratio

Size Male Female Unknown Total male: female
Adults 3 10 0 13 0.3:1
Subadults 2 8 to) 10 0.3:1
Juveniles te) 2 (e) 2 NA
Pups 1 0 3 4 NA
Non-pup Total 5 20 0 25 0.3:1
Grand Total 6 20 3 29 0.3:1



92

Entry Description
WIND Speed: 0 = no wind, calm (<5 knots)
1 = light breeze (5-15 knots)
2 = strong wind (>15 knots)
Direction: NW, NN, NE, EE, SW, SS, SE, WW
Thus: 2]NIN = strong wind from north
CLOUD Cloud cover: 00 = no clouds
01-09 = 10 to 90% cover
10 = 100% cover
PREC. Precipitation: 0 = no precipitation or trace
1 = mist/drizzle
2 = rain
3 =

CONTINUE

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 original line
number your 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 continuation line number.

TIME

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

SECTOR

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



12

Special Studies
Seals Collected for Rehabilitation

Since 1984, NMFS has collected female pups whose size at
weaning indicated 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 Atoll or Midway
Islands. In 1992, the collection criteria (axillary girth at
weaning) was raised to s95 cm because recent survival data (NMFS
unpublished data) revealed that pups with girths of 90-95 cm also
had substantially lower survival rates than larger seals.

Eight female pups were collected for rehabilitation in 1994,
and were held on Tern Island for up to 9 days before transport to
Oahu. During the holding period, they were treated for
dehydration and were tube-fed fluids, including a milk replacer
formula, and force-fed herring. One weaned pup died on Oahu and
the other seven pups remained in rehabilitation for the rest of
1994,

RESULTS
Population Abundance and Composition

The means (+SD) for 10 atoll censuses were 208 seals (+
21.2) including pups, and 158 seals (+ 15.0) excluding pups

(Table 2.1). The total spring-summer population included 225
immature individuals (subadults, juveniles, and pups), of which
114 were subadults or juveniles (Table 2.2). The numbers of

tagged known-age seals born at FFS during the period from 1984 to
1993 and resighted there in 1994 are summarized in Table 2.3.

Reproduction

At least 110 pups were born: 103 weaned, 6 died or
disappeared prior to weaning, and the fate of 1 pup was unknown
(Table 2.4a). Nursing periods and measurements of weaned pups
are summarized in Table 2.4b.

A total of 176 adult-sized females were identified and at
least 90 (51%) of those were parturient. An unknown number of
adult-sized females remained unidentified at FFS. The birth rate
was 63% (66/105) for untagged adult females (>10 years old) and
34% (24/71) for tagged females of adult size (<10 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 22 females was 39.4
dad (45.1).



60

Table 5.6.--Factors affecting Hawaiian monk seal survival at

Midway Islands in 1994.

Outcome

Size Sex Total Injured Died

Probably died

Attack by Large Shark
(none observed)
Mounting by Males
Adult Female 1 1 0
Entanglement
(none observed)
Unknown

(none observed)



vi

(CONTENTS, continued)

Reproduction eee

Interatoll Movement oe .

Factors Affecting Survival
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS errs
TABLES ...........

CHAPTER 5. THE HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL AT
MIDWAY ISLANDS, 1994 ......
RESEARCH . . . .
Censuses and Patrols” .
Individual Identification
Collection of Samples
Special Studies

RESULTS

Population “Abundance | and Composition

Reproduction
Interatoll Movement .
Factors Affecting Survival
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ... oe
TABLES . . :
CHAPTER 6. THE HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL ‘aT
KURE ATOLL, 1994 ....
RESEARCH . .
Censuses and Patrols” :
Individual Identification .
Collection of Samples
Special Studies

Monitoring Impacts of Past Management

Efforts

Introduction of Rehabilitated | Seals”

RESULTS

Population “abundance and Composition

Reproduction .

Interatoll Movement

Factors Affecting Survival
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS .....
TABLES

REFERENCES

APPENDIXES

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

Appendix B.--Hawaiian monk seal census form and 1994

census form directions.

Sighting Probability ¢ Calculations

79

81

87



82

Appendix A. --Continued.

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 p.

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 p.

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.
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
Pp.

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
Pp.



TABLES



APPENDIXES



70

Table 6.2.--Composition of the Hawaiian monk seal population at

Kure Atoll during the spring of 1994. Includes all
pups known to be born during the calendar year, but
field studies occurred before the main reproductive
period.

Number of seals

Sex ratio

Size Male Female Unknown Total male: female
Adults 23 22 0 45 1:1
Subadults 8 20 0 28 0.4:1
Juveniles 14 25% 0 39 0.6:1
Pups 5 0 1 6 NA
Non-pup Total 45 68 te) 112 O.7:1
Grand Total 50 68 1 118 0.7:1

*Number includes 8 rehabilitated yearlings released at Kure Atoll

in February

and March, 1994.



IEEE EDEDOSSCX=CS
21

Table 2.5a.--Known movement of Hawaiian monk seals to French
Frigate Shoals from other locations in 1994,
summarized by movements between two locations. Some
seals made more than one trip.

Original location Number, size, and sex class

Laysan Island 3 Adult females

Table 2.5b.--Known movement of Hawaiian monk seals from French
Frigate Shoals to other locations in 1994,
summarized by movements between two locations. Some
seals made more than one trip.

Destination Number, size, and sex class

Laysan Island 6 Adult females



40

Interatoll Movement

Interatoll movement was documented for six seals that made
a total of six movements from Lisianski Island to Laysan Island.

Factors Affecting Survival

Entanglement of one seal was documented (Table 4.6). The
seal was released uninjured by observers. The skeleton of a
subadult and skull of a juvenile seal that had died of unknown
causes since the 1993 field season were also found.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I thank the field personnel who assisted in data
collection: Lt. Michele Finn, Pamela Frierson, Lucy Keith,
Steven Kirkland, and Cynthia Vanderlip. The support of the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife
Refuge staff is gratefully acknowledged. Logistical assistance
was provided by the captains, officers, and crew of the NOAA ship
Townsend Cromwell.



*SpUETSI USTTeMeH UTERSOeMYIAON OYA UT TTOJW eAzMy *T'9 “STA

M8T o8LT 07 44

+ be

| N.9Z
087



fringing reef

25° |
47T'N

46" +

asst
45" 46° 171°47"'w

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



102
Entry Description
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:
CODES
TYPE COLUMN CONTENT
M = Mobbing/harassment 1-3 Mobbing/harassment number
N= = Necropsy 1-3 Necropsy number
E = Entanglement 1-3 Entanglement number
4 New/resight? (N/R
W = Wound 1-3 Injury number
4 New/resight? (N/R)
H = = Animal handling 1 Handling type
T = Tagging
M = Measuring (includes weighing)
A = All (both tagging and measuring)
R = Remote tagging
B = Bleeding
O = Other
P = Photo RECORD NON-SEAL PHOTOS IN THE
HANDWRITTEN NOTES.
1 Type of photo
S = Slide
P = Print
2-3 Roll number (pad with zeros)
4-5 Frame number (pad with zeros)
6 Side
L = Left lateral or flipper

R = Right lateral or flipper
D = Dorsal side

V = Ventral side

B = Both (used for rear flippers only)

X = Other; describe in handwritten NOTES

(PHOTO continued on following page)



48

Table 4.6.--Factors affecting Hawaiian monk seal survival at

Lisianski Island in 1994.

Outcome

Size Sex Total Injured Died

Probably died

Attack by Large Shark
(none observed)
Mounting by Males
(none observed)
Entanglement

Weaned pup Unknown 1? ie) 0

*Seal released by observers.



97

Entry

Description

(TAG NO., Continued)

<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).

Percentage of

MOLT old pelage lost, optional for nursing pups.
0 or <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.
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 or <blank> = No disturbance, or seal merely looked
at observer.

1 = 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



69

Table 6.1.--Summary statistics for atoll censuses (n = 8) of

Hawaiian monk seals at Kure Atoll from February 19 to

March 22, 1994.
Mean number of Standard
Size/Sex individuals deviation
Adults 23.9 4.3
Male 12.9 1.8
Female 9.1 3.6
Unknown 1.9 2.4
Subadults 12.8 3.6
Male 4.9 1.9
Female 7.6 1.8
Unknown 0.3 0.5
Juveniles 21.5 2.6
Male 8.5 2.4
Female 12.8 1.5
Unknown 0.3 0.7
Pups 3.9 0.8
Male 3.6 0.7
Female 0.0 0.0
Unknown 0.3 0.5
Non-pup Total 58.1 7.4
Grand Total 62.0 7.3



98

Entry Description

ASSOCIATION DATA Use continuation lines to record more than one :
association. Don’t record associations involving turtles. |
Record detailed association data at Laysan Island and Kure i
Atoll in 1994. At other locations, record mother-pup pairs '
and unusual events. At all locations except Laysan Island
and Kure Atoll, the X code will be filled in back in
Honolulu 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:
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 i
nearest neighbors in straight line of sight, can be
on ite sides of a log.

LINE NO. Identity of the other seal in the association. Put its line
number here (note line number refers to within same
census page only).

DIST. Closest distance during behavior.
if
0 = body contact
1=<2m
2= 25m |
3 = >5 m (>5 m but <10 m in the case of L behavior i

code)



34

Table 3.4a.--Summary of Hawaiian monk seals born at Laysan
Island in 1994.

Number of pups

Event Male Female Unknown Total
Born 19 29 1 49
Died prior to weaning 1 0 1 2
Weaned 18 29 e) 47
Tagged 18 29 0 47

Table 3.4b.--Summary of nursing periods and measurements of
weaned pups at Laysan Island in 1994. Nursing
periods were calculated where both birth and weaning
date ranges were <4 days. All measurements were
taken within 2 weeks after weaning. Measurements
include seven pups with an axillary girth of <95 cm.

Nursing period Axillary Straight dorsal
(d) girth (cm) length (cm)
Mean 35.8 102.9 126.5
St. Dev. 4.2 6.9 5.4

n 25 46 29



The average nursing period was calculated for the pups at
each location. In addition, the average lactation period of
parturient females was calculated for the population at FFS
because of difficulties in tracking pups (and obtaining nursing
periods) at that site due to the higher population density and
the resulting high number of pup exchanges (Boness 1990).
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 in the calculation of the 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

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.

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 cm,
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
already healed when they were 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



“SpueTSI UeTTeMeH UTE SeMYyIZON ey UT spueTSI AeMPTIW ‘“T’°S “BTA

M07 ,LLI AZ
+ t
‘s] uidg
~ + I
a6
‘T Ulo seq Ty pues
a + wt
eo
3
wyz N
| NST
o8C



that the observer disturbed the seal), and time of day. 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

(focusing on associations and interactions between seals) were
collected on Laysan Island and Kure Atoll, and vestibule status
was recorded for adult and large subadult females on Laysan
Island and Kure Atoll to determine its utility as an indicator of
their reproductive status. A sample census form and guidelines
for its completion are included in Appendix B. In 1994, censuses
were conducted every 4 to 7 days (at all locations except
Lisianski Island and Midway Islands), 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 Islands, 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 all or a portion of
an 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, (3) entanglements in marine debris,

(4) injuries, and (5) deaths.

Reproduction

Parturient females were identified, and birth and weaning
information were recorded. Because parturient females will nurse
pups other than their own (Boness, 1990), efforts were made to
identify the pup and document changes in the nursing relationship
from 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 would then actively search for,
and obtain, another nursing relationship.



44

Table 4.2.--Composition of the Hawaiian monk seal population at
Lisianski Island during the spring and summer of

1994,
Number of seals
Sex ratio
Size Male Female Total male: female
Adults
Subadults
Juveniles (Composition not determined as described on
page 39.)
Pups

Non-pup Total

Grand Total



20

Table 2.4a.--Summary of Hawaiian monk seals born at French
Frigate Shoals in 1994.

Number of pups

Event Male Female Unknown Total

Born 49 54 7 110

Died/probably died 1 2 3 6
prior to weaning

Fate unknown 0 0 1 1

Weaned 48 52 3 103

Tagged 47 48° (o) 95

*Number includes three pups that were tagged as yearlings in
early 1995; two tagged at French Frigate Shoals, and a third
seal, collected for rehabilitation, tagged in captivity prior
to release at Kure Atoll.

Table 2.4b.--Summary of nursing periods and measurements of
weaned pups at French Frigate Shoals in 1994.

Nursing periods were calculated where both birth and

weaning date ranges were <4 d. All measurements
were taken within 2 weeks after weaning.

Measurements include 28 pups with an axillary girth

of <95 cm.
Straight
Nursing Axillary dorsal
period (d) girth (cm) length (cm) Weight (kg)
Mean 36.0 100.1 124.8 43.7
St. Dev. 1.4 9.8 7.0 8.8
n 2 80 80 7

“These 7 pups were collected for rehabilitation.



13

Interatoll Movement

Interatoll movement was documented for four seals that made
a total of nine movements between FFS and Laysan Island (Tables
2.5a and b).

Factors Affecting Survival

Attacks by large sharks, emaciation, and other unknown
factors resulted in 32 life-threatening conditions, which led to
the confirmed deaths of seven seals and the probable death of six
other seals (Table 2.6). No incidents of adult male aggression
were observed, and no seals were known to have died following
unobserved male mounting incidents. Two of the confirmed deaths
were seals that were emaciated. One seal was entangled and
subsequently released by observers. One seal was found with a
large fishing hook embedded in its jaw. The hook was not removed
because the seal appeared to be pregnant and subsequently pupped.
A second adult seal was reported by a fisherman to have been
hooked. The fisherman cut the leader to free the seal. In
addition to the deaths listed in Table 2.6, an aborted fetus was
found on Tern Island in January.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

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



CHAPTER 1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION



77

Alcorn, D. J.
1984. The Hawaiian monk seal on Laysan Island: 1982. U.S.
Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo. NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFC-042, 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.
Eberhardt, L. L. and K. V. Eberhardt.

1994. The Hawaiian monk seal on Midway Atoll, 1994.
Honolulu Lab., Southwest Fish. Cent., Natl. Mar. Fish.
Serv., NOAA, Honolulu, HI 96822-2396, Southwest Fish.
Cent. Admin. Rep. H-94-08, 14 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.

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.

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 p.
Stone, H. S.

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

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

696.
Winchell, J.
1990. Field manual for phocid necropsies (specifically
Monachus schauinslandi). U.S. Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech.

Memo. NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFSC-146, 55 p.



25

Laysan Island (lat. 25°42'N, long. 171°44’W) is located ca.
1300 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 during March 25-July 30, and incidental observations were
recorded by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 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 1994, research objectives specific to this
population included identification of all seals, documentation of
male behavioral patterns and aggression, assessment of maternity
and pup exchanges, and collection and translocation of adult
males to correct the skewed sex ratio of adults at this site.

Censuses and Patrols

Censuses and patrols were scheduled to ensure that the
entire island perimeter was monitored at least once each day
during March 26-July 7. Twenty censuses were conducted by two
observers every fifth day from March 26 to June 29. Each census
began at 1300 Hawaii standard time and continued for 1.4 to 2.6
h.

Standardized behavior patrols were conducted on 53 non-
census 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 documented
to occur most frequently in the water.

Individual Identification

A total of 273 individuals (224 excluding pups) were
identified by existing or applied tags, bleach marks, scars, or
natural markings. Bleach marks were applied to 228 seals,
including 36 nursing pups. All 47 weaned pups, 4 immature
females, and 1 adult male were tagged with Temple Tags; the
majority of those also were tagged with passive integrated
transponder (PIT) tags. One immature female and 16 adult males
were retagged with Temple Tags, PIT tags, or both.

Collection of Samples

One hundred-twenty scat and spew samples were collected.
Tissue samples were collected from 50 seals during tagging.
Blood samples were collected from 6 adult males captured for
translocation. Necropsies were performed on 4 dead seals and
tissue samples and skulls were collected from all necropsied



CHAPTER 2. THE HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL ON
FRENCH FRIGATE SHOALS, 1994

Mitchell P. Craig, Suzanne S. Romain, Steve S. Kirkland, and
Tanya H. Goodwin



Table 3.2.--Composition of the

32

Hawaiian monk seal population at
Laysan Island during the spring and summer of 1994.
Includes all pups born during the calendar year.

Number of seals

Sex ratio

Size Male Female Unknown Total male:female
Adults 84 71 1 156 1.2:1
Subadults 17 15 0 32 1.1:1
Juveniles 14 19 0 33 O.7:1
Pups 19° 29 1? 49 0.6:1
Non-pup Total 115 105 () 221 Leaid
Grand Total 134 134 2 270 1.0:1
*One neonatal pup death.



Ff wU@wS=«CEOP?!E’'S eed

110

DIRECTIONS FOR RECORDING RIESE i
TAG NUMBERS AND COLORS ON THE CENSUS FORM |

Beginning in 1988, we will be using Riese tags on adults at Laysan. The tags will have
letters on them, but the combination of multiple tag colors, flipper position, and presence or
absence of holes in the tags will also enable a seal to be individually identified. To record this
information on the census form requires some modifications of our method of recording tags.
The rules for recording Riese tags are:

1. The color of a Riese tag is P (plastic).

2. The tag position of a Riese tag is either L or R (not B).
3. The number of a Riese tag may be either:

a. the 2 letters printed on the tag; or

b. a combination of 3 letters which indicate presence or absence of a hole in the tag and
colors of the 2 halves of the Riese tag. Codes for hole condition are:

H = Hole present
N = No hole present

Codes for colors are:

Blue
Green
Orange
Red
White
Yellow

<2dR7Oaw

Hole condition is codes first, then 2 colors. Example of recording a red and green
Riese tag, with hole, on the left flipper:



103

Entry

Description

CODES
TYPE

(PHOTO, continued) 7

S = Specimen/sample

COLUMN

P.

vu zpre

x maz

xOon 171
tou

CONTENT

Head

Anterior body (neck and shoulders)
Midbody (behind foreflippers and before
posterior)

Posterior body (behind midbody and
before rear flippers)

Foreflipper |r whether dorsal/

ventral in hand-
Rearflipper written NOTES

Overall view of a particular side
Other, describe in handwritten NOTES

Identification

Wound (link with wound EVENT

using continuation lines)

Necropsy (link with necropsy EVENT

using continuation lines)

= Entanglement (link with entanglement
EVENT using continuation lines)

= Other, describe in handwritten

NOTES

ou

DON’T RECORD SPECIMEN COLLECTION
HERE IF YOU ARE CONDUCTING A
NECROPSY--USE THE NECROPSY FORM.

Specimen type

SC = Scat
SP = Spew
T = Tissue
M = = Molt

P= Parasites
D- = Debris
Z = = Other



10S

:9ze SpueTSI

M00 .99T
1

01
n

“(SM) eqeyseTeyM pue ‘ (AL) B5TazL
‘(UL) UteL ‘(S) yzeUS ‘(a) PunoYy ‘(DN1) UTH eTIITI ‘(D) UTD ‘(g3) aseq ‘(aq) H5utzeeddestaq

“SpueTSI UPTTeEMeH UTE SeMYIION ey UT STeOUg eqebTzq youerg

OE
i]

‘te Bta

Or

0€

suoyiej Ul sinojuOD
1

wy 07

o€C

- OV

- 0S

N.00

oVC


1982

1983

1985

1986

1987

1988

HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL TEMPLE TAGS
NUMBERING SCHEME AND HOLE DRILLING SEQUENCE FOR WEANED PUPS

109

1989

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994



72

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

1994.
Number of pups

Event Male Female Unknown Total
Born 5 0 1? 6
Probably died prior to 1 0 te) 1
weaning

Still nursing 1 (o) 1 2
Weaned 3 0 ie) 3
Tagged 3 0 te) 3

*Unusually small pup born to thin mother.

Table 6.4b.--Summary of nursing periods and measurements of
weaned pups at Kure Atoll in 1994. Nursing periods
were calculated where both birth and weaning date
ranges were <4 d. All measurements were taken
within 2 weeks after weaning. Measurements include
two pups with an axillary girth of <95 cm.

Straight
Nursing Axillary dorsal
period (d) girth (cm) length (cm) Weight (kg)
Mean -- 96.8 117.0 --
St. Dev. -- 9.0 7.2 --

n -- 3 3 --



81

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., 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.

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.



17

Table 2.1.--Summary statistics for atoll censuses (n = 10) of
Hawaiian monk seals at French Frigate Shoals from May
16 to July 26, 1994.

Mean number of Standard
Size/Sex individuals deviation
Adults 118.1 10.0
Male 29.1 7.1
Female 70.2 5.8
Unknown 18.8 7.6
Subadults 23.4 6.2
Male 9.8 3.5
Female 9.2 2.9
Unknown 4.4 2.3
Juveniles 16.9 3.4
Male 5.4 1.5
Female 9.1 2.8
Unknown 2.4 1.8
Pups 50.0 10.6
Male 10.9 6.9
Female 6.9 3.8
Unknown 32.2 6.0
Non-pup Total 158.4 15.0
Grand Total 208.4 21.2



111

4. For each sighting, use either method a with 2 letters, or b with 3 letters, but not both.
The computer will know the difference according to whether you enter 2 letters or 3. In
method a, the combination of 2 letters printed on each tag is unique, so tag position and
color merely provide a check for consistency. Tags are printed on only one side,
however. In method b, the combination of 2 colors, hole condition, and tag position also
identifies an individual seal. The order in which the 2 colors are recorded does not
matter. In the example above, HRG and HGR would mean the same. Hole condition (H)
or N) and tag position (L or R) do matter, however, so these must be seen and recorded
correctly.



22

Table 2.6.--Factors affecting Hawaiian monk seal survival at
French Frigate Shoals in 1994. Does not include
captive seals.

Outcome

Size Sex Total Injured Died Probably died

Attack by Large Shark

Adult Male 3 3 0 te)
Female 4 4 0 0
Subadult Male 1 1 0 0
Weaned pup Male 2 2 2 i)
Female 3 3 0 1
Unknown 1 1 te) 1
Nursing pup Male 1 1 fe) fo)

Mounting by Males

Adult Female 2 2 le) 0

Weaned pup Male 3 3 0 oO
Entanglement

Adult Female 1° 1 0 to)

Unknown rv 1 0) 0

Subadult Male as 1 te) 0

Emaciation

Adult Male 1 0 1 0

Weaned pup Female 2 0 1 1
Other/Unknown

Nursing pup Male 1 1 1 fe)

Female 2 1 2 i)

Unknown 3 ie) te) 3

*aAn adult female was found on 4 June with a fishing hook in its jaw. The hook
was not removed.

Pan adult seal was reported by a fisherman to have been hooked on 19 December.
A hooked seal has not yet been observed on land.

‘Released by observers.



55

Table 5.1.--Summary statistics for atoll censuses of
Hawaiian monk seals at Midway Islands in 1994.

Size/Sex

Mean number of Standard
individuals deviation

Adults
Male
Female

Unknown

Subadults
Male
Female

Unknown

Juvenile
Male
Female

Unknown

Pups
Male
Female

Unknown

Non-pup Total

Grand Total

(Atoll counts were not conducted as
described on page 51.)



10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

107

An association should either be all blank or have the O, Z, or X behavior only, with no
line number or distance, or have a line number, a distance, and some behavior code
(other than O 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.

At Laysan Island and Kure Atoll, note vestibule status for all S4 and adult females,
except nursing moms, whenever you can get the information. Make a special effort to
determine vestibule status for post-weaning moms.

Do not make up additional codes. If the need for an additional code arises, contact
Honolulu.



Table 3.6.--Factors affecting Hawaiian monk seal survival
at Laysan Island in 1994.

36

Outcome
Size Sex Total Injured Died Probably died
Attack by Large Shark
Adult Male 1 1 0
Unknown 1 0 ie)
Subadult Female 2 2 (e)
Mounting by Males
Adult Female 5e 3 1
Juvenile Male 1 fo) 1
Entanglement
Juvenile Female 1° 0 0
Weaned pup Female a> 0) 0)
Other/Unknown
Adult Male 2 1 1°
Female 3 3 ie)
Weaned pup Male 1 0 1
Nursing Pup Male 1 0 1
Unknown 1 0 1

*One female was observed in a mobbing aggregation of six adult
males and sustained injuries.
’Seal(s) released by observers.

°Seal died during restraint.



18

Table 2.2.--Composition of the Hawaiian monk seal population at
French Frigate Shoals during the spring and summer of
1994. 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 -- -- -- -- --
Subadults 39 30 - 69 1.3:1
Juveniles 15 30 - 45 0.5:1
Pups 49 54? 7 110 0.9:1
Non-pup Total -- -- -- -- --
Grand Total -- -- -- -- --

*One neonatal death.

Two neonatal deaths. Number includes 8 weaned pups collected

for rehabilitation in 1994.



TABLES


of ST oS9T

-obeTedtyorzy uetTemey euL

MoSLT

1 1

‘LL ‘Bla

Tlovy woyuyor

Paes

SpUL]S] ULIIEMeH] UIOISOMTIION

i ee

of] NUN
- : gy? os
[ oN > oy,
‘| 1o¥90N }
s[eoyg o1e8119 youory

oth

,  sopoeuulg JoupleH
. he 29
*.. a a JOON OPW
a

eo NE a a
I ueskeq— ZO 4
‘] Fysuersr] an

Jooy souioy pue [ieag——"e
110vy Aemply—
1191V any”

NST

t oOC

FoSS

o0€


105

ADDITIONAL PROTOCOL

1.

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 your 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 formal
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).

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 first occurrence of each tag on a
census data sheet for that date as well as on a tagging 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 will be added 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.



TABLES



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- 219 U.S. pacific marine mammal stock assessments.
J. BARLOW, R.L. BROWNELL, JR., D.P. DeMASTER, K.A. FORNEY,
M.S. LOWRY, S. OSMEK, T. RAGEN, R.R. REEVES, and R.J. SMALL
(July 1995)

220 The physical oceanography off the central California coast during
February and May-June, 1991: A summary of CTD data from larval
and pelagic juvenile rockfish surveys.

K.M. SAKUMA, F.B. SCHWING, H.A. PARKER, and S. RALSTON
(September 1995)

221 The physical oceanography off the central California coast during
March and May-June, 1994: A summary of CTD data from larval
and pelagic juvenile rockfish surveys.

K.M. SAKUMA, F.B. SCHWING, H.A. PARKER, K. BALTZ and
S. RALSTON
(September 1995)

222 Guidelines for handling marine turtles hooked or entangled in the
Hawaiian longline fishery: Results of an expert workshop held in
Honolulu, Hawaii March 15-17, 1995.

G.H. BALAZS, S.G. POOLEY, and S.K. MURAKAWA, (Eds.)
(November 1995)

223 Age determination in Pacific sardine, Sardinops sagax.
M.L. YAREMKO
(January 1996)

224 Report of a cetacean, seabird, marine turtle and flying fish survey
of the western tropical Indian ocean aboard the research vessel
Malcolm Baldrige, March 21 - July 26, 1995.

L.T. BALLANCE, R.L. PITMAN, S.B. REILLY, and M.P. FORCE
(January 1996)

225 Catch and effort from Hawaii's longline fishery summarized by
quarters and five degree squares.
D.S. CURRAN, C.H. BOGGS, and X. HE
(January 1996)

226 Calibration of radar altimeter readings used in aerial photogrammetry
of eastern tropical Pacific dolphins - 1992 and 1993.
J.W. GILPATRICK, JR.
(February 1996)

227 The Hawaiian monk seal in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, 1993.
T.C. JOHANOS, and T.J. RAGEN
(February 1996)

228 Comprehensive Ocean Data Extraction - User’s Guide
R. MENDELSSOHN, and C. ROY
(April 1996)



Table 4.3.--Summary of tagged known-age seals born at Lisianski

45

Island and resighted there in 1994.

Age Number originally Number resighted
(years) Sex tagged in 1994
12 Male 7 i?)

Female 6 1
11 Male 6 ie)
Female 18 3
10 Male 10 0
Female 5 1
9 Male 5 1
Female 9 i?)
8 Male 11 0
Female 9 1
7 Male 12 1
Female 6 1
6 Male 10 0
Female 8 1
5 Male 0 -
Female 0 -
4 Male 9 3
Female 8 2
3 Male 9 3
Female 6 1
2 Male 13 3
Female 8 1
1 Male 4 1
Female 9 2