An Aerial Census of Ringed Seals, Northern Coast of Alaska

Abstract

Aerial surveys of ringed seals, Phoca (Pusa) hispida Schreber, in areas of land-fast ice extending along the Alaskan coast from Point Lay to Barter Island were made between 8 and 15 June 1970 in order to establish a base line index of density and distribution. Surveys of 8, 9 and 13 June were used for determining density and estimating the minimum number of seals present within 6 sectors of the total area. The density of seals in sectors east of Point Barrow was low and relatively uniform (2.28, 1.06, 1.38 and 2.43 seals per sq. mile). Within sectors southwest of this point, density was substantially higher (5.36 and 3.70 per sq. mile). The minimum number of ringed seals in all sectors surveyed was 11 612. Comparison of survey results in areas of intensive seismic exploration with undisturbed areas indicated that even with intensive disturbance associated with exploratory activities conducted within the limits imposed by state regulations, ringed seals were not appreciably displaced.