Ringed Seals in James Bay and Hudson Bay: Population Estimates and Catch Statistics

Abstract

The populations of ringed seals Phoca Hispida in Hudson Bay and James Bay are estimated on the basis of aerial counts to be 455,000 and 61,000 respectively. If the maximum number of seals, estimated at 21,000, needed to feed the polar bears of Hudson Bay is added to the catch of all trading centers there, estimated at 14,900, the total approximates very closely to the 8 per cent annual sustainable yield of ringed seals in Hudson Bay.