Counts and spatial distribution of harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) and grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) from an aerial survey of the coast of the Newfoundland Shelf and Sandwich Bay, Labrador during the...: Fs97-6/3566E-PDF

"Harbour seals reside throughout the year around Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) at unknown abundance levels. The first systematic survey for harbour seals occurred along the NL Shelf during July and August 2021 to obtain haul-out counts and assess distribution. Grey seals were also recorded as these two species can share haul-out locations. Photographic surveys were flown along the coastline with a Bell 429 helicopter. 3,341 seals were seen hauled out and identified as harbour, grey or unknown seals. After the unknown seals were assigned to species, 2,961 harbour and 380 grey seals were estimated to be seen. The largest numbers of harbour seals were found in the Grey Islands, Saint Pierre and Miquelon (France) and along the southern coast of Newfoundland east of Bay d'Espoir. Grey seals were only observed hauled out in southern Newfoundland, primarily west of Placentia Bay. No seals were seen hauled out in Sandwich Bay, Labrador. Despite differences in methodology compared to previous work, the results indicate that harbour seals have disappeared from previously occupied areas. Although increases have probably occurred in some areas, this species has likely not regained the abundance levels present before the bounty hunt (1952-1976). Future surveys are needed to understand regional population trends and gain a better understanding of counts and distribution in Labrador"--Abstract, page iv.

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