Project Information

Title: Monitoring, Habitat Use, and Trophic Interactions of Harbor Seals in PWS 94064

Project Year and Number: 1994: 94064

Other Fiscal Years and Numbers for this Project: 2001: 01064-CLO, 2000: 00064-CLO, 1999: 99064, 1998: 98064, 1997: 97064, 1996: 96064, 1995: 95064, 1993: 93046, 1992: R073, 1992: MM05, 1991: MM05, 1990: MM05, 1989: MM05

Principal Investigator (PI): Kathy Frost (Alaska Department of Fish & Game)

Managing Agency: ADFG

Assisting Personnel: Sara Iverson, Lloyd Lowry, Mike Simpkins, Jay Ver Hoef

Research Location: Prince William Sound

Restoration Category: Monitoring

Injured Resources Addressed: Harbor Seals

Abstract: Harbor seals pup, breed, molt, and feed in Prince William Sound (PWS) and are federally protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Harbor seals are harvested by area residents for subsistence uses, are visually enjoyed by tourists and recreationists, and interact with commercial fisheries. From 1984-1988, harbor seal counts were declining for unknown reasons. After the EVOS, harbor seal populations continued to decline in oiled areas at accelerated rates. No information is available on site fidelity, movements between haul-out sites, seasonal changes in hauling-out patterns, habitats used for feeding, or feeding behavior. A pilot study conducted in 1991-1992 demonstrated the feasibility of using transmitters attached to harbor seals to gather data on their behavior and habitat use in PWS. A continuation of the use of satellite linked transmitters, incorporated with data obtained in previous years’ studies, may provide resource managers with information to design effective conservation measures.


Proposal: Not Available

Reports:
Annual Report FY94: View (1,382 KB)
Final Report: Final Report Not available. For current status, please contact us.

Publications from this Project: None Available

Datasets:
EVOSTC Data Archive: Survey counts. Location and dive data for seals. Tables, charts, maps, diskette, GIS ARCINFO for satellite data. Availability: Upon request.