Aerial censuses of pinnipeds in the Queen Charlotte Islands, 1 July-1 August, 1992 / by Peter F. Olesiuk, Douglas Buries, George Horonowitsch and Thomas G. Smith.: Fs97-4/2217E-PDF

"In this report we present the results of aerial censuses of Pacific harbour seals (Phoca vitulina richardsi) and Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) conducted in the Queen Charlotte Islands during 3 July-1 August, 1992. The 1992 count of Steller sea lions for the entire Queen Charlotte Islands was 2,115 non-pups and 484 pups. Regression analyses indicate that the non-pup and pup populations have increased by about 55% and 65% since standardized aerial censuses were begun in 1971, which represents finite annual rates of increase of 2.1% and 2.4% respectively. Coverage of harbour seal censuses was limited to the east coast of Moresby Island due to persistent fog during morning tidal windows. A total of 1,456 seals were counted between Alliford Bay and Goodwin Point. Comparison with the number counted in the same area in the only previous census in 1986 indicates that the seal population had increased by about 70%, which represents a finite annual rate of increase of 9.3%. The recent increases in both species probably reflects the recovery of populations from management and commercial kills made prior to their being protected in 1970"--Abstract, page iii.

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