Science Advisory Report 2011/024
Review of aerial survey estimates for Ringed Seals (Pusa hispida) in western Hudson Bay, 2009 and 2010
Summary
- Results of two aerial surveys in 2009 and 2010 indicate that the relative density of Ringed Seals in western Hudson Bay falls in the range of densities estimated in previous years and within estimated densities for other areas in the Canadian Arctic.
- Combined with past western Hudson Bay survey estimates, the 1995-2010 data series of identical survey coverage suggest a declining trend in Ringed Seal density although not significant. A major source of uncertainty in the density estimates is associated with annual variation in movements of sea ice and pattern of ice melt during the period when seals are hauled out moulting.
- Ringed Seals are a good indicator species of long-term changes occurring in the Arctic marine ecosystem because of their dependence on sea ice for reproduction and survival.
- Due to changing sea ice patterns associated with warming temperatures, it is recommended that the area be re-surveyed in three years to reassess changes in seal density.
This Science Advisory Report results from the Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat, National Marine Mammal Peer Review Committee Meeting (NMMPRC) of November 22-26, 2010. Additional publications from this process will be posted as they become available on the DFO Science Advisory Schedule.
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