Distribution and Abundance of Harbor Seals in Cook Inlet, Alaska. Task III: Movements, Marine Habitat Use, Diving Behavior, and Population Structure, 2004-2006

Publication Title: Distribution and Abundance of Harbor Seals in Cook Inlet, Alaska. Task III: Movements, Marine Habitat Use, Diving Behavior, and Population Structure, 2004-2006

Subject: Marine Biodiversity
Marine Mammals
Harbor Seal; Phoca vitulina; Haul-Out; Abundance; Aerial Survey; Cook Inlet; Time-Lapse Photography; Movements; Seasonal Use; Alaska

CSE Reference: Boveng PL, London JM, Ver Hoef JM (Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Seattle, WA). 2011. Distribution and abundance of harbor seals in Cook Inlet, Alaska. Task III: movements, marine habitat use, diving behavior, and population structure, 2004–2006. Anchorage (AK): US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. 72 p. Obligation No.: MO7AC13296. Report No.: OCS Study BOEM 2012-065. URL: https://espis.boem.gov/Final%20Reports/5213.pdf

Abstract: The National Marine Mammal Laboratory (NMML) conducted 152 aerial surveys in Cook Inlet, Alaska from 2003-2005 to understand the seasonal abundance and distribution of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardii). Surveys were flown in August- October April and June to coincide with breeding and pupping (June) molting (August) and non-breeding periods (October and April). The effects of seasonal and environmental variables (covariates) on the numbers of harbor seals hauled out during surveys were assessed using a generalized linear model. The results presented in this report provide a solid foundation for understanding the seasonal distribution and abundance of seals ashore and can aid planning agencies in reducing, avoiding, or responding to impacts from human activities.