Space use of Pacific harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardii) from two haulout locations along the Oregon coast.

ABSTRACT:

Background

There are approximately 10,000-12,000 Pacific harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardii) inhabiting the Oregon coast, and unlike other species of pinnipeds in this region, are reliably present year-round. Despite this, and drastic rebounds in population since the enactment of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, limited data is available for the present period regarding their space use at sea, and within estuarine, riverine, or bay areas within the state.

Objective

To examine site-based differences in space use for 24 adult Pacific harbor seals captured and outfitted with satellite transmitters at two predominant haulout sites on the Oregon Coast, USA.

Design

We captured 24 adult harbor seals from two haulout sites on the Central Oregon coast between September 20

SUBMITTER: Steingass S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6668786 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature