Contingency Plan for Hawaiian Monk Seal Unusual Mortality Events
Contingency Plan for Hawaiian Monk Seal Unusual Mortality Events
Contingency Plan for Hawaiian Monk Seal Unusual Mortality Events
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A-3<br />
1. If endoparasites are observed, collect immediately. Rinse, relax, fix, and store as described in<br />
the parasitology section below. Be sure parasites are assigned the same specimen number as the<br />
scat from which it is derived, but give each specimen a unique specimen sub-number.<br />
2. Collect entire scat (or what's remaining if sub-sample(s) <strong>for</strong> parasitology are taken) in whirlpaks<br />
or ziplocs. Be sure to include legible specimen labels both inside (using waterproof labels) and<br />
outside the bags. Take care to ensure that the inside labels are visible from the outside.<br />
3. Once any parasitology sub-samples have been collected, add 20% liquid detergent, 80% sea<br />
water solution to scat sample to begin the degreasing process and to kill some of the pathogens.<br />
Add just enough of this solution to keep samples moist. Remove as much air as possible from bags<br />
be<strong>for</strong>e storing them in buckets. Be sure the samples are stored double bagged and are kept upright<br />
in buckets to prevent leaks.<br />
B. SPEWS<br />
Spews (vomitus) are collected <strong>for</strong> prey species determination and parasite studies. They may also be used<br />
to detect ciguatera (a naturally occurring biotoxin found in dinoflagellates) in tissues of certain prey<br />
species. Spews are often found near seal haul out tracks and may contain partially digested eels, fish,<br />
lobster carapaces, octopus, or whole prey items. Note: seabirds also spew squid, flying fish, and other prey<br />
species, so be sure to closely observe seal tracks in the area the spew is found and collected.<br />
1. If endoparasites are observed in the spew, collect them immediately and preserve as described in<br />
the parasitology section below. Be sure parasites are assigned the same specimen number as the<br />
spew from which it was derived, but give each specimen a unique specimen sub-number.<br />
2. Next, collect a representative sub-sample of spew that is about 300-400 gm (100 gm is<br />
approximately hamburger sized) <strong>for</strong> ciguatera analysis. Once the representative sample is<br />
collected, split this sub-sample up into ~50 gm units and place in whirlpaks. Assign this spew subsample<br />
the same specimen number as the spew from which it was derived, but give only ONE<br />
unique specimen SUB-number to the representative sample, even though it is being split into<br />
multiple bags. In addition to recording specimen number and sub-number on inner and outer<br />
labels, note bag number and total number of bags <strong>for</strong> one sub-sample on each individual bag (1 of<br />
5, 2 of 5, etc.) Be sure to also record the total number of bags <strong>for</strong> one spew sub-sample in the<br />
"notes" field of the specimen collection summary <strong>for</strong>m. NOTE: the splitting of the sample is<br />
necessary to store the samples in liquid nitrogen. BE SURE the split samples will fit easily into<br />
and out of the liquid nitrogen dewar. It can be very difficult, if not impossible, to remove large<br />
items from the dewars due to their internal design.<br />
3. Once any parasites sub-samples and the ciguatera sub-sample have been collected, store<br />
remaining spew DRY in a whirlpak or ziplock, double bagged. Clearly label the outside of the<br />
bag. Be sure to also include a legible specimen label inside (using waterproof labels) the bag.<br />
Arrange the inside label so that it is visible from the outside. No preservation is necessary. Be<br />
sure that the specimen is packed so that it is stored upright in buckets <strong>for</strong> storage and<br />
shipment.<br />
C. PARASITES<br />
Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) fixed fecal specimens: Collect a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 30 PVA<br />
fixed scat samples from fresh scats from known animals. Collection ef<strong>for</strong>ts should be focused on samples<br />
from juvenile animals and collection of repeat samples from the same individuals.