Gulf Watch Alaska, Nearshore Component: Sea Otter Mortality Age Data from Katmai National Park and Preserve, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Prince William Sound, Alaska, 2006-2017

Identification_Information:

Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: Kimberly A. Kloecker (ORCID: 0000-0002-2461-968X)
Originator: Daniel H. Monson (ORCID: 0000-0002-4593-5673)
Publication_Date: 20200327
Title:

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: tabular digital data
Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Anchorage, Alaska
Publisher: U.S. Geological Survey Alaska Science Center

Other_Citation_Details:

Suggested Citation: Kloecker, K.A., Monson, D.H., 2020, Gulf Watch Alaska Nearshore Component: sea otter mortality age data from Katmai National Park and Preserve, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Prince William Sound, Alaska, 2006-2017: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/F7H993CZ.

Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.5066/F7H993CZ
Larger_Work_Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council
Publication_Date: Unknown
Title: Gulf Watch Alaska
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: Website
Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Anchorage, Alaska
Publisher: Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council (EVOSTC)

Other_Citation_Details:

Gulf Watch Alaska is the long-term ecosystem monitoring program of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council for the marine ecosystem affected by the 1989 oil spill.

Online_Linkage: http://www.gulfwatchalaska.org/

Description:

Abstract:

These data are part of the Gulf Watch Alaska (GWA) long term monitoring program, nearshore monitoring component. The dataset is a comma separated file exported from a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. The data consist of information related to collection of sea otter carcasses. Collectors walked selected shorelines searching for signs of carcasses. Date, location, carcass condition, parts collected, and notes are all recorded. Specimens collected include: complete carcasses, whole skulls, bacula, mandible, teeth, whiskers, tissue. Selected shorelines are in Alaska and include locations in Katmai National Park and Preserve, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Prince William Sound. The time interval includes 2006-2017.

Purpose:

The purpose of the skull and carcass collections is to gather information on relative abundance and age distributions of dying sea otters in Prince William Sound, Katmai National Park and Preserve, and Kenai Fjords National Park. In 2016 the U.S. Geological Survey Alaska Science Center began transferring the sea otter skull collection to the University of Alaska Museum of the North.

Supplemental_Information:

This spreadsheet will be updated with additional year's data at irregular intervals.

This carcass age data set is a component of the nearshore monitoring portion of the Gulf Watch Alaska (GWA) program.

The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council and state and federal agencies are supporting a five-year, $12 million long-term monitoring program in the Gulf of Alaska region affected by the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill. The monitoring program, called Gulf Watch, includes 25 principal scientists and seeks to provide data to identify and help understand the impacts of multiple ecosystem factors on the recovery of injured resources. This program is expected to be 20 years in total length, but planned and funded in five-year increments. It builds upon the past 23 years of restoration research and monitoring by the EVOSTC and federal and state agencies. Monitoring efforts will span a range of species and marine conditions, organized in three components, with integrated data management and synthesis of science information provided across the components. The program includes sites in Prince William Sound, lower Cook Inlet and the outer Kenai Peninsula coast.

Environmental Drivers component – oceanography, plankton. Benthic component – intertidal invertebrate algae, sea otters, seabirds, lingering oil. Pelagic component – whales, seabirds, forage fish.

Time_Period_of_Content:

Time_Period_Information:

Range_of_Dates/Times:

Beginning_Date: 2006
Ending_Date: 2017

Currentness_Reference: ground condition

Status:

Progress: Complete
Maintenance_and_Update_Frequency: As needed

Spatial_Domain:

Description_of_Geographic_Extent:

Three main regions throughout the Gulf of Alaska are included in the study design: Prince William Sound, Kenai Peninsula, and Katmai Coast. Carcass specimens and data are collected from selected shorelines within a sampling block in each region.

Bounding_Coordinates:

West_Bounding_Coordinate: -156.03
East_Bounding_Coordinate: -144.41
North_Bounding_Coordinate: 61.8
South_Bounding_Coordinate: 57.03

Keywords:

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: USGS Metadata Identifier
Theme_Keyword: USGS:ASC263

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
Theme_Keyword: sea otter mortality
Theme_Keyword: skull
Theme_Keyword: carcass
Theme_Keyword: Enhydra lutris
Theme_Keyword: age distributions

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: ISO 19115 Topic Category
Theme_Keyword: Biota
Theme_Keyword: Environment

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: USGS Science
Theme_Keyword: Ecology
Theme_Keyword: population dynamics

Place:

Place_Keyword_Thesaurus: Geographic Names Information System
Place_Keyword: Prince William Sound
Place_Keyword: Kenai Fjords National Park
Place_Keyword: Katmai National Park and Preserve
Place_Keyword: Alaska
Place_Keyword: Gulf of Alaska

Taxonomy:

Keywords/Taxon:

Taxonomic_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
Taxonomic_Keywords: sea otters
Taxonomic_Keywords: northern sea otters
Taxonomic_Keywords: Enhydra lutris kenyoni

General_Taxonomic_Coverage:

This data set contains carcass information and tooth cementum layer ages from northern sea otters, Enhydra lutris kenyoni.

Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Kingdom
Taxon_Rank_Value: Animalia
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Phylum
Taxon_Rank_Value: Chordata
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Subphylum
Taxon_Rank_Value: Vertebrata
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Class
Taxon_Rank_Value: Mammalia
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Subclass
Taxon_Rank_Value: Theria
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Infraclass
Taxon_Rank_Value: Eutheria
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Order
Taxon_Rank_Value: Carnivora
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Suborder
Taxon_Rank_Value: Caniformia
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Family
Taxon_Rank_Value: Mustelidae
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Subfamily
Taxon_Rank_Value: Lutrinae
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Genus
Taxon_Rank_Value: Enhydra
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Species
Taxon_Rank_Value: Enhydra lutris
Applicable_Common_Name: sea otter

Access_Constraints: None
Use_Constraints:

Unless otherwise stated, all data, metadata and related materials are considered to satisfy the quality standards relative to the purpose for which the data were collected. Although these data and associated metadata have been reviewed for accuracy and completeness and approved for release by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the display or utility of the data on any other system or for general or scientific purposes, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty. Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. Any person using the information here should fully understand the data collection procedures before beginning analyses. The burden for determining fitness of use lies entirely with the user. For purposes of publication of dissemination, citations or credit should be given to the authors and USGS. USGS grants to the public a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use these data for non-commercial educational or scientific research purposes. Please let owner know when data are used and cite primary authors and database when using or publishing these data. This material is based upon work funded by the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council under Project/Program No. 12120114-R. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the Trustee Council.

Point_of_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Organization_Primary:

Contact_Organization: U. S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: mailing and physical
Address: 4210 University Drive
City: Anchorage
State_or_Province: Alaska
Postal_Code: 99508

Contact_Voice_Telephone: 907-786-7000

Cross_Reference:

Citation_Information:

Originator: Daniel Essler
Publication_Date: 2005
Title: Nearshore Marine Ecosystem Research
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: Website
Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Anchorage, Alaska
Publisher: U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center

Other_Citation_Details:

Provides general information regarding the USGS research supported by these data. Users will find a description of the research project and links to associated reports, publications, and data products.

Online_Linkage: https://alaska.usgs.gov/portal/project.php?project_id=99

Data_Quality_Information:

Attribute_Accuracy:

Attribute_Accuracy_Report:

Attribute accuracy was tested by checking all values against a range of possible values for that attribute. Tooth age accuracy is partially dependent on cementum condition and tooth type. A measure of process accuracy from the Matson lab can be found in the Certainty Code (CC) From Matson. Further information on the tooth aging process can be found in the detailed descriptions sections.

Logical_Consistency_Report:

All attribute values were checked for conformance to standard codes. Where information was unavailable a period (".") was used.

Completeness_Report:

These specimens represent a sub sample of sea otter carcasses on beaches in Prince William Sound, Katmai and Kenai Fjords National Parks. Time constraints prevent search of all beaches in these locations. Locations are provided. Otter identification numbers may be out of sequence. Missing numbers exist because specimens were either discovered to not be sea otters or were from sample kits that did not get used.

Positional_Accuracy:

Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy:

Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy_Report:

Carcass positions were recorded using a handheld Garmin GPS. The accuracy is dependent on the conditions when recorded, but are typically within plus/minus 15 meters. Exact locations are not a critical component of this data.

Lineage:

Methodology:

Methodology_Type: Field
Methodology_Description:

Carcass collection: Mortality patterns, based on relative abundance and age distributions of the dying portion of the population, will be evaluated through recovery of beach-cast sea otter carcasses each spring. Beaches must be surveyed following snow melt. Surveys will consist of crews of two people walking along the selected beaches searching for carcasses between the water line and the storm tide line. At least one member of each crew will have experience in beach surveys from previous field seasons. Generally, the search effort will focus on the high tide line and the storm tide line where skeletal remains are often found, while the lower beach is scanned for fresh carcasses. Efforts will be made to check behind large beached logs and other objects which can easily trap carcasses as waves wash over them. When a skull or carcass is found, the location will be recorded with a GPS, and the sex determined if possible. The skull, whiskers, tissue, and baculum may be collected depending on availability and carcass condition. A tooth will be collected from each specimen for aging of the carcass.

Methodology_Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: Dean, T. A. and Bodkin, J. L.
Publication_Date: Unpublished material
Title: DRAFT Sea Otter Carcass Collection Protocol
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: document
Other_Citation_Details:

USGS Alaska Science Center sea otter and coastal ecosystem project

SOP is in draft status, written for Southwest Alaska Network (SWAN) program that pre-dated and was rolled into this GWA program. Dean, T. A. and J. L. Bodkin. 2011. SOP for Conducting Coastline Surveys of Birds and Mammals, Animal Carcasses, Debris and Other Resources – Version 1.1: Southwest Alaska Inventory and Monitoring. Natural Resource Report NPS/SWAN/NRR—2011/396. National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado. Dean, T. A., and J. L. Bodkin. 2011. Protocol narrative for marine nearshore ecosystem monitoring in the Southwest Alaska Network of National Parks: Version 1.0. Natural Resource Report NPS/SWAN/NRR—2011/449. National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado.

Methodology:

Methodology_Type: Lab
Methodology_Description:

Tooth age determination: Teeth are sent to the Gary Matson lab for age determination. The teeth are aged by comparing tooth cementum to a standardized model of cementum development. For more information see Workbook for Cementum Analysis.

Methodology_Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: Matson, G. M.
Publication_Date: 1981
Title: Workbook for cementum analysis
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: document
Other_Citation_Details: Can be found on the Matson lab website
Online_Linkage: https://matsonslab.com/the-science/cementum-aging/

Methodology_Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: Matson's Laboratory
Publication_Date: 1981
Title: Workbook for Cementum Analysis
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: document
Other_Citation_Details:

Gary and Judy Matson, 1981. Workbook for Cementum Analysis. Published in Milltown Montana 59851

Online_Linkage: http://www.matsonslab.com/
Online_Linkage: https://matsonslab.com/the-science/publications/

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

Data was collected in field notebooks and field data sheets and later entered into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.

Process_Date: Unknown

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

Location information initially entered as UTM's (Universal Transverse Mercator) were converted to decimal degrees/latitude and longitude. An open source web-based conversion tool was used for this.

Process_Date: Unknown

Spatial_Data_Organization_Information:

Indirect_Spatial_Reference:

Regions and locations in this data set are described without coordinates, e.g. Katmai National Park and Preserve, Green Island, etc. Carcass locations are described with coordinates.

Direct_Spatial_Reference_Method: Point

Spatial_Reference_Information:

Horizontal_Coordinate_System_Definition:

Geographic:

Latitude_Resolution: 0.00001
Longitude_Resolution: 0.0000001
Geographic_Coordinate_Units: Decimal degrees

Geodetic_Model:

Horizontal_Datum_Name: World Geodetic System of 1984
Ellipsoid_Name: World Geodetic System of 1984
Semi-major_Axis: 6378137
Denominator_of_Flattening_Ratio: 298.257223563

Entity_and_Attribute_Information:

Detailed_Description:

Entity_Type:

Entity_Type_Label: NearshoreBenthicSystemsInGOA_SOP01_SeaOtterMortality2006-2017
Entity_Type_Definition:

Sea otter carcasses and skulls found while performing beach surveys in Prince William Sound, Katmai National Park and Preserve and Kenai Fjords National Park.

Entity_Type_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Year
Attribute_Definition: The year during which the sample was collected.
Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 2006
Range_Domain_Maximum: 2017

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: CollectionDate
Attribute_Definition:

The date, if recorded, on which the sample was collected. For some specimens only a year was recorded, for others a month and year, while some have month, day, and year. If no collection date was recorded, there will be a "." in this field.

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 4-Apr-2006
Range_Domain_Maximum: 7-Oct-2017

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: OtterNum
Attribute_Definition:

The unique number assigned to the carcass specimen, usually a skull but can be a portion of a skull or even just a tooth or pup natal pelt. This should be the code marked on any specimens collected from the carcass and is also the code used to keep track of age data from the lab. This code is only semi-consistent and contains an abbreviation SOD for 'sea otter dead', a four digit year, and a sequential number. It may also contain a location code such as KATM for Katmai. Specimens may be marked with a two-digit year rather than four. Specimens may also have the code in different order on labels, KATM-SOD-2007-12 is the same as SOD-KATM-07-12. Also, sometimes the dash '-' was not used, so SOD2007-12 is the same as SOD-2007-12.

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain:

Otter identification number usually includes a prefix, SOD (Sea Otter Dead), and/or area information (KATM = Katmai or APD = Alaska Peninsula Dead), then a date code (2 or 4 numbers) then a sequential number. For example KATM-SOD-2013-11 is the eleventh specimen recorded in 2013 from Katmai National Park and Preserve. Numbering schemes were not consistent in inclusion of location codes.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Region
Attribute_Definition:

Broad geographic locations dividing the northern sea otter population stocks in Alaska.

Attribute_Definition_Source:

producer defined, but see: Gorbics, C.S., and J.L. Bodkin. 2001. Stock structure of sea otters (Enhydra lutris kenyoni ) in Alaska. Marine Mammal Science 17(3):632-647.

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: SC
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

Southcentral Alaska, from Cape Yakataga westward to Cape Douglas including Prince William Sound and the Kenai peninsula coast

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source:

Gorbics, C.S., and J.L. Bodkin. 2001. Stock structure of sea otters (Enhydra lutris kenyoni ) in Alaska. Marine Mammal Science 17(3):632-647.

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: SE
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

Southeast Alaska, from Dixon entrance northward to Cape Yakataga.

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source:

Gorbics, C.S., and J.L. Bodkin. 2001. Stock structure of sea otters (Enhydra lutris kenyoni ) in Alaska. Marine Mammal Science 17(3):632-647.

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: SW
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

Southwest Alaska, including the Alaska Peninsula coast, southward and westward along the Aleutians to Attu Island including Barren Islands, Kodiak Archipelago, Pribilof Islands, and Bristol Bay.

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source:

Gorbics, C.S., and J.L. Bodkin. 2001. Stock structure of sea otters (Enhydra lutris kenyoni ) in Alaska. Marine Mammal Science 17(3):632-647.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: GulfWatchRegion
Attribute_Definition:

Broad geographic locations dividing Alaska as part of the Nearshore component of the Gulf Watch Alaska monitoring program.

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: AKP
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Alaska Peninsula
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: KEP
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Kenai Peninsula
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: PWS
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Prince William Sound
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Area
Attribute_Definition:

Broad geographic locations dividing Alaska: Blocks from the Gulf Watch Alaska nearshore monitoring program or Fish and Wildlife Service management units for carcasses from the SW region.

Attribute_Definition_Source:

producer defined, also for SW management units see: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2013b. Southwest Alaska Distinct Population Segment of the Northern Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris kenyoni) - Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 7, AK, USA.

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: KATM
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

Katmai National Park and Preserve, Block 10 of the Gulf Watch Nearshore Monitoring design

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: KEFJ
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

Kenai Fjords National Park and Preserve, Block 05 of the Gulf Watch Nearshore Monitoring design

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source:

USGS Alaska Science Center Nearshore Marine Ecosystem Research Group

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: NPWS
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

Northern Prince William Sound, Block 07 of the Gulf Watch Nearshore Monitoring design

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: WPWS
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

Western Prince William Sound Block 08 of the Gulf Watch Nearshore Monitoring design

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Site
Attribute_Definition:

Narrower geographic location than area. A general description of where a carcass was discovered. When fins scale location information is missing, this field will have a "."

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain:

In general sites are names from NOAA charts of the area and may have some directional term attached, for example, Perry Isl south.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Age
Attribute_Definition:

Age of otter from various age estimation methods. "." indicates no data, "L" indicates results not returned from laboratory at the time of data publication.

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 0
Range_Domain_Maximum: 20

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: HowEstimated
Attribute_Definition:

What methodology was used to estimate an age for the carcass. "." indicates no data.

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: E
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

Age estimated by sea otter experts based on tooth wear patterns of all teeth present, development and size of teeth, and overall skull size. This method may only be used by trained experts and if most teeth are present in the carcass.

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: I
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Age estimated by lab staff based on tooth morphology and wear.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: S
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

Characteristics of the skull and teeth used to identify pups: sutures of the skull not fused and deciduous teeth present.

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: T
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Matson's laboratory tooth cementum layer aging
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: FieldAgeEstimate
Attribute_Definition:

Age of otter by field observers using tooth wear, tooth eruption patterns, morphometric size, and other clues. May be given as a year, range of years, or an age class such as 'adult' or 'pup', etc.

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain:

Field age estimates range from 0-18 years and also include categorical age classes such as pup (P), juvenile (J), subadult (SA), adult (A), aged adult (AA). "." indicates no data.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: AgeClass
Attribute_Definition:

Broad category of ages. "." indicates no data available to determine age class.

Attribute_Definition_Source:

Monson, D.H., Doak, D.F., Ballachey, B.E. and Bodkin, J.L. (2011), Could residual oil from the Exxon Valdez spill create a long‐term population “sink” for sea otters in Alaska?. Ecological Applications, 21: 2917-2932. and Ballachey, B.E., Monson, D.H., Esslinger, G.G., Kloecker, K., Bodkin, J., Bowen, L., and Miles, A.K., 2014. 2013 update on sea otter studies to assess recovery from the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill, Prince William Sound, Alaska: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2014-1030, 40 p., http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/ofr20141030.

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: 1
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: juvenile age class, otter age is less than two years old
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source:

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: 2
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

prime age class, otter age is greater than or equal to two years old and less than or equal to eight years old

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: 3
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: aged adult age class, otter age is greater than eight years old
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source:

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: ToothCollected
Attribute_Definition:

Was a tooth collected to be submitted to the lab for cementum age analysis? "." indicates no data.

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: N
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: No, a tooth was not collected.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: U
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: It is unknown whether or not a tooth was collected.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Y
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Yes, a tooth was collected.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Tooth
Attribute_Definition:

Which tooth was collected and sent to the laboratory for cementum aging. "." indicates no data.

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: C
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

Canine tooth, variations include LC = lower canine, LLC = lower left canine, RC = right canine, UC = upper canine, ULC = upper left canine, URC = upper right canine. Lack of upper or lower or right or left indicates those are unknown.

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: I
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

Incisor tooth, variations include LI = lower incisor, LI2 = lower second incisor, UI = upper incisor, ULI = upper left incisor, ULI2 = upper left second incisor, ULI3 = upper left third incisor, URI2 = upper right second incisor, URI3 = upper right third incisor. Lack of upper or lower or right or left or a number indicates those are unknown.

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: M
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

Molar tooth, variations include M1 = first molar, LLM = lower left molar, LLM1 = lower left first molar, LLM2 = lower left second molar, ULM = upper left molar, ULM1 = upper left first molar, URM = upper right molar, URM1 = upper right first molar. Lack of upper or lower or right or left or a number indicates those are unknown.

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: P
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

Premolar tooth, variations include P1 = first premolar, P2 = second premolar, P3 = third premolar, LLP = lower left premolar, LP = lower premolar, LP1 = lower first premolar, LP2 = lower second premolar, LP3 = lower third premolar, LLP2 = lower left second premolar, LLP4 = lower left fourth premolar, LRP = lower right premolar, LRP2 = lower right second premolar, LRP3 = lower right third premolar, LRP4 = lower right fourth premolar, UP = upper premolar, UP2 = upper second premolar, ULP = upper left premolar, ULP1 = upper left first premolar, ULP2 = upper left second premolar, ULP3 = upper left third premolar, URP = upper right premolar, URP1 = upper right first premolar, URP2 = upper right second premolar, URP3 = upper right third premolar, URP4 = upper right fourth premolar. Lack of upper or lower or right or left or a number indicates those are unknown.

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: NS
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

It is unknown which tooth was collected, but the lab notes it is a non-standard tooth, therefore something other than a first premolar.

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: UNK
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: It is unknown which tooth was collected.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: CertaintyCode
Attribute_Definition:

Certainty Code is a reliability index for the tooth cementum age. "." indicates no data.

Attribute_Definition_Source:

Gary and Judy Matson, 1981. Workbook for Cementum Analysis. Published in Milltown Montana 59851.

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: A
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

Reliability ages indicate that the cementum characteristics of the tooth section very nearly match those of the standardized cementum aging model for the species and tooth type. Most certain, within +/- 1 year of reported toothage.

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source:

Gary and Judy Matson, 1981. Workbook for Cementum Analysis. Published in Milltown Montana 59851

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: B
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

There is histological evidence to support the result, and the correct age is expected to be within the range given in the “Notes” field. Usually age within +/- 2 years of reported toothage.

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source:

Gary and Judy Matson, 1981. Workbook for Cementum Analysis. Published in Milltown Montana 59851

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: C
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

Those for which the match between histological evidence and the standardized model is poor. Error is likely, and may occur within the range given.

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source:

Gary and Judy Matson, 1981. Workbook for Cementum Analysis. Published in Milltown Montana 59851

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: MatsonAgeRange
Attribute_Definition:

Range of tooth age for the otter provided by Matson. The range is larger when the certainty is lower.

Attribute_Definition_Source:

Gary and Judy Matson, 1981. Workbook for Cementum Analysis. Published in Milltown Montana 59851

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain:

Age range is given as a spread of ages, such as 1-2 or 11-13. Values are years. Missing entries in this field indicate certainty in the age and no need to also provide a range or no age was estimated.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: MatsonNotes
Attribute_Definition:

Notes from the lab where the cementum aging is performed. Some standardized abbreviations are used in addition to free text. "." indicates no notes from the lab.

Attribute_Definition_Source:

Gary and Judy Matson, 1981. Workbook for Cementum Analysis. Published in Milltown Montana 59851

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain:

Standardized notes are: AH = abnormal histology, usually removal of tooth tissue; BR = broken, with missing cementum; BL = bleached or boiled; CD = cementum damaged; IN = aged by inspection, without sectioning; LI = lateral incisor (nonstandard); M = molar; NA = not applicable, evidence in the cementum is not adequate even for a reasonable age estimate; NE = the sample contained no envelope with this ID number; NG = the tooth is present in the sample but is not given on the biologist's master inventory list; NP = not processed; NS = not a standard tooth type for cementum aging; NTR = no tooth received, container was empty; P or PM = premolar; PF = Matson's Lab process failure; PR = processed.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Sex
Attribute_Definition: Sex of the otter
Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: F
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

Female, absence of baculum in a complete carcass or known otter from capture studies.

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: M
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Male, baculum present or known otter from capture studies.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: U
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Unknown sex
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Latitude
Attribute_Definition:

Latitude of location where carcass was found. "." indicates no data.

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 56.70466
Range_Domain_Maximum: 60.9433
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: decimal degrees

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Longitude
Attribute_Definition:

Longitude of location where carcass was found. "." indicates no data.

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: -157.55983
Range_Domain_Maximum: -147.24904
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: decimal degrees

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: location quality
Attribute_Definition:

Indication of how precise the latitude and longitude were for the location of the carcass. "." indicates no data. Note that extremely accurate locations are not essential to use of carcass age at death data for many purposes.

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: 1
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

The finder of the carcass also recorded a collection location at the site of collection. This should be accurate to within plus/minus 15 meters based on our handheld GPS technology.

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: 2
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

The latitude and longitude refer to a location determined by the carcass collector but not at the time of collection. Assignment of the coordinates was done post field collection, but often during the same field trip. For example, the collector did not have a hand held GPS while collecting the specimen and later used marine charts or any mapping program to estimate the collection coordinates. Collection accuracy is likely plus or minus 1-3 kilometers.

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: 3
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

The latitude and longitude refer to a general center point for a named location that was recorded by the carcass collector. Assignment of the coordinates was done post field season. Accuracy is likely plus or minus 5-10 kilometers, more if a named location is large, for example East Ninagiak vs simply Ninagiak.

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: NotesFromField
Attribute_Definition:

Additional information from the collectors of the specimen or those who pulled teeth or processed the skull for archiving. This is not for information from the cementum processing lab.

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain:

Notes can be about many topics so there is not a set domain for the content of this field.

Overview_Description:

Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:

This data set contains collection information and laboratory tooth age determinations for sea otter carcasses found in the Gulf of Alaska marine intertidal. Data includes year found, specimen ID, collection location, parts collected, and tooth age.

Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation:

Dean, T. A. and J. L. Bodkin. 2011. SOP for Conducting Coastline Surveys of Birds and Mammals, Animal Carcasses, Debris and Other Resources – Version 1.1: Southwest Alaska Inventory and Monitoring. Natural Resource Report NPS/SWAN/NRR—2011/396. National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado.

Gary and Judy Matson, 1981. Workbook for Cementum Analysis. Published in Milltown Montana 59851

Gulf Watch Alaska, Nearshore Component: Sea Otter Mortality Age Data from Katmai National Park and Preserve, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Prince William Sound, Alaska, 2006-2017

Metadata: