Movements and Behavior of Satellite-Tagged Spotted Seals ('Phoca largha') in the Bering and Chukchi Seas

摘要

In August 1991, satellite-linked platform transmitter terminals (PTTs) were attached to four spotted seals (Phoca largha) captured near a coastal haul out at Utukok Pass in the northeastern Chukchi Sea. The locations and diving behavior of the seals were monitored for periods of 64-259 days. Usable position information was obtained for about 50% of the days that the PTTs were operational. The number of dives to greater than 10 m depth averaged 160 to 284 per day for two of the seals. All dives were to depths less than 100 m, and most lasted for less than 10 minutes. The study demonstrated the utility of satellite-linked telemetry for studying the biology of spotted seals. Modifications to PTT programming should allow future efforts to gather more detailed information on movements and diving behavior.