The following report is based on findings from the observational studies on the Hawaiian monk seal in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands during 1995. The objectives of this research were to conduct beach counts (censuses), tag weaned pups and immature seals for permanent identification, identify other seals by previously applied tags and by natural or applied markings, monitor reproduction, survival, injuries, entanglements, interatoll movements, disappearances, and deaths, perform necropsies, collect tissue samples for DNA analysis, and inventory, sample, and destroy debris capable of entangling wildlife.

From introduction: This necropsy manual is a guide for students and technicians in the examination of dead phocids, specifically the Hawaiian monk seal. With this manual, the person performing the necropsy should be able to conduct a gross examination of a monk seal and collect the necessary tissues for microscopic pathology and toxicological studies. The necropsy instructions are based on the assumption that the seal's carcass is very fresh and time is not a limiting factor.