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In-Water Photo Identification, Site Fidelity, and Seasonal Presence of Harbor Seals (Phoca vitulina richardii) in Burrows Pass, Fidalgo Island, Washington.
- Source :
- Oceans (2673-1924); Jun2024, Vol. 5 Issue 2, p368-382, 15p
- Publication Year :
- 2024
-
Abstract
- Little is known about the in-water behavior and site fidelity of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardii), as most photo-identification (photo-ID) studies are typically conducted while they are hauled-out on land. We investigated in-water site fidelity rates and seasonal presence in Burrows Pass, Washington, using photographs collected during a long-term photo-ID and behavioral study from January 2015 through November 2019. There was a minimum of 161 individuals and a maximum of 286 individual harbor seals using Burrows Pass. Harbor seals were present in all seasons, with the lowest sighting rates during summer. Individuals were more likely to be sighted/re-sighted in fall and spring. There was large variations in the level and seasonality of site fidelity among individuals. The majority of seals (69.62%) were seen only once, but 22.69% showed low to moderate site fidelity (2–5 sightings) and 7.69% showed strong site fidelity (≥6 sightings) over seasons and across years. These seasonal variations were likely due to foraging, life history, and individual behavioral variabilities. Studies like this provide necessary information about harbor seal in-water site fidelity and behavior, which are less well known but vitally important in harbor seal management and conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 26731924
- Volume :
- 5
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Oceans (2673-1924)
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 178183391
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.3390/oceans5020022