Monitoring Distribution and Abundance of Ringed Seals in Northern Alaska

摘要

This report describes results of aerial surveys conducted to determine the distribution and abundance of ringed seals (Phoca hispida) in the central Beaufort Sea off Alaska. This was a cooperative project funded by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service, with additional support contributed by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the National Marine Fisheries Service, the University of Alaska, and the North Slope Borough. Specific objectives were to: (1) review and refine protocols for monitoring ringed seals by aerial surveys; (2) estimate relative abundance and density of ringed seals on fast ice in the Beaufort Sea during 1996-1999 and compare with data collected during 1985-1987; and (3) correlate observed ringed seal densities on fast ice with environmental parameters.