Abstract

Pathogens and disease are important though frequently unaddressed aspects in the conservation of endangered species. Disease becomes important when mortality in the concerned species reaches epidemic proportions. Such is the case in the Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) considered the most endangered pinniped in North American waters.

The Hawaiian Monk Seal Epidemiology Program is the newest addition to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Marine Mammal Research Program (MMRP) Protected Species Investigations. This program has been developed to take a proactive approach in identifying health and disease parameters in the population through the collection and analysis of specimens from healthy, diseased and dead seals to determine causes of mortality. The primary objectives of the Program are: Centralize and maintain serum bank and biological specimen bank.

1.  Develop conceptual model of health and disease.

2.  Construct long-range plan for health assessment.

3.  Implement action plan for unusual mortality.

The Unusual Mortality Events Plan for the Hawaiian Monk Seal will be based on the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Act and recommendations provided in the National Contingency Plan developed for marine mammals. Risk Assessment, an important element in the Unusual Mortality Events Plan, will characterize high risk disease, infectivity/transmission of agents, prevalence and incidence, fatality and morbidity, availability of preventive measures, diagnostic tests, and public health concerns.