Abstract
The Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) was listed as an endangered species in 1976 following a 50% decline in beach counts from the late 1950s to the mid-1970s. Currently estimated at 1,200 individuals, the population has been declining at a rate of about 4% annually since 1998.
In 1999, the NOAA Fisheries Service monk seal program, Honolulu Laboratory developed a working plan to provide a framework for incorporating health and disease information to enhance recovery of the species.1
One component of the plan was the development of health screening criteria and prioritization of baseline data using a three-tiered approach. Tier 1 testing and procedures are considered the most essential and include screening for diseases with established prevalence in Hawaiian monk seals or other pinniped species or established capacity to cause morbidity or mortality in pinnipeds. Tier 2 testing includes diseases where there is inadequate evidence that they pose substantial risk to Hawaiian monk seals or that they are prevalent in pinniped populations. Tier 3 testing is considered to have potential importance as a research tool and is performed where feasible. Originally intended to provide a prioritization of the elements of essential baseline screening for potential translocation of Hawaiian monk seals, Tier 1 testing is now the basis for disease surveillance and it is continuously reviewed and updated.
Currently, Tier 1 health screening is evaluated for appropriateness for seals in the main and Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, and this evaluation is based on historical findings; pathology identified at necropsy, including gross necropsy and histopathology; identification of new potential pathogens within Hawaiian monk seal habitat, regional emerging and reemerging diseases; regional health issues of marine mammals, vector surveillance by other agencies and development of new diagnostic methods. Current investigations are focused and prioritized for Tier 1 analysis, with direction in sampling, preservation, and shipment from the selected laboratories. Whenever possible, biomedical samples for all three tiers are collected. Residual samples are archived, and a reserve of samples is maintained to be used for comparison only in the face of an unusual mortality/morbidity event.
This poster identifies current testing, methods, laboratories and summary results. It is the expressed purpose of this poster to stimulate dialog with the attending IAAAM international group of marine mammal health experts regarding potential testing which is both sensitive and specific for pathogens of concern.
References
1. Aguirre AA, JS Reif, GA Antonelis. 1999. Hawaiian monk seal epidemiology plan: health assessment and disease status studies. U.S. Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo, NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFSC-280, 63 p.