Research Document - 2012/040
Habitat utilization by northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) in the Northeastern Pacific Ocean and Canada
By Olesiuk, P.F.
Abstract
Historic sealing logbooks from 1882-1911, NPFSC research collections and sightings from 1958-1974, the NMML platform of opportunity sighting database from 1957-2007, and published reports on satellite tags deployed since 1991 are used to describe the distribution and migration patterns of northern fur seals in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. GIS analysis identified several important foraging areas used by high densities of fur seals migrating along the west coast of North America. The highest densities occurred on what sealer’s referred to as the Vancouver ground on the continental shelf from the Columbia River to La Perouse Bank off southern Vancouver Island. The area is used predominately by adult females during spring as they gain weight prior to making the trip to breeding sites. Stomachs collected in 1958-1974 indicated fur seals in the area were feeding mainly on herring, and La Perouse Bank supports the largest herring stocks on WCNA. The area would be a candidate for designation as critical habitat if northern fur seals are listed under SARA, but further studies are required to assess whether diet and distribution may have changed in recent years.
Accessibility Notice
This document is available in PDF format. If the document is not accessible to you, please contact the Secretariat to obtain another appropriate format, such as regular print, large print, Braille or audio version.
- Date modified: