Long distance movements and disjunct spatial use of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) in the inland waters of the Pacific Northwest.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Worldwide, adult harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) typically limit their movements and activity to <50 km from their primary haul-out site. As a result, the ecological impact of harbor seals is viewed as limited to relatively small spatial scales. Harbor seals in the Pacific Northwest are believed to remain <30 km from their primary haul-out site, one of several contributing factors to the current stock designation. However, movement patterns within the region are not well understood because previous studies have used radio-telemetry, which has range limitations. Our objective was to use satellite-telemetry to determine the regional spatial scale of movements.

Methodology/principal findings

Satellite tags were deployed on 20 adult seals (n=16 males and 4 females) from

SUBMITTER: Peterson SH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3377613 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature