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.
Permanent link to this Catalogue record:
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| Department/Agency | Canada. Department of Fisheries and Oceans, issuing body. Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre (Canada), issuing body. |
|---|---|
| Title | 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 summer of 2021 / by Charmain D. Hamilton, Pierre J. Goulet, Garry B. Stenson, Shelley L.C. Lang. |
| Series title | Canadian technical report of fisheries and aquatic sciences, 1488-5379 ; 3566 |
| Publication type | Series - View Master Record |
| Language | [English] |
| Format | Electronic |
| Electronic document | |
| Note(s) | Includes bibliographical references (pages 13-18). Includes abstracts in English and French. |
| Publishing information | St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador : Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre, 2023. ©2023 |
| Author / Contributor | Hamilton, Charmain D., author. |
| Description | 1 online resource (v, 39 pages) : colour illustrations, colour maps. |
| ISBN | 9780660680965 |
| Catalogue number |
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| Subject terms | Harbor seal -- Counting -- Newfoundland and Labrador. Gray seal -- Counting -- Newfoundland and Labrador. Harbor seal -- Newfoundland and Labrador -- Geographical distribution. Gray seal -- Newfoundland and Labrador -- Geographical distribution. Seal populations -- Estimates -- Newfoundland and Labrador. Phoque veau-marin -- Comptage -- Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador. Phoque gris -- Comptage -- Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador. Phoque veau-marin -- Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador -- Distribution géographique. Phoque gris -- Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador -- Distribution géographique. Phoques -- Populations -- Estimation -- Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador. |
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