Distribution and Abundance of Seals in the Eastern Beaufort Sea

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Abstract
The objectives of this study were: (1) to design a statistically reliable method for surveying ringed seals (Phoca hispida) and bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus) that could be repeated and, (2) to obtain baseline information on the distribution, abundance, and general biology of ringed and bearded seals in relation to other mammals in the pack-ice ecosystem of the eastern Beaufort Sea.Because of the limitations encountered in aerial surveying during the period of optimum haul out, and the heterogeneous environment, we employed a stratified design incorporating a weighted linear regression model. Identical surveys, conducted from June 15 to 29, 1974 and from June 12 to 20, 1975, showed a significant decline in numbers of both seal species in 1975. This conclusion was supported by other independent observations. Observer bias in sighting and identifying the species of seals was tested for and rejected. Neither species was distributed randomly over the heterogeneous habitat but the degree of clumping was different. In general, bearded seals preferred shallower areas and ringed seals deeper ones.When the seal population declined, the reproductive rates of both species dropped markedly and young of the year virtually disappeared from the population. The reduction in numbers of seals stimulated a major change in reproductive rates of the polar bears (Ursus maritimus) and arctic foxes (Alopex lagopus) that depend upon them for food, and the bear and fox populations decreased in size.Some possible causes of the decline are discussed. This unprecedented variability in the stability of the marine ecosystem has serious management implications. Key words: census techniques, Phoca hispida, Erignathus barbatus, seals, interspecific relationships, Beaufort Sea

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