Ringed Seal Research Results 2015 Tagging
Results from the Summer of 2015:
In June 2015, the NSB DWM commenced seal capture work under NMFS Permit #15324. We deploy monofilament drift nets along the ice edge during breakup to capture ringed seals, and near sandy spits to capture spotted seals that are hauled out. Length, girth and weight measurements are taken, as well as blood samples for health assessment. Satellite tags are attached to record movements and habitat use. We will continue to send maps throughout the season until the satellite tags stop transmitting. Please feel free to contact Andy if you have any questions or comments.
Capture Team: Andy Von Duyke, Bobby Sarren, Billy Adams, Joe Skin, Isaac Leavitt, Aaron Morris, Craig George
Satellite Tag Data: David Douglas, USGS
March 13, 2016
See the attached maps showing the most recent locations of all seals tagged in 2015. Most of the head/back mounted satellite tags (SPLASH) have stopped transmitting. Two SPLASH tags continue to transmit data (spotted seals 3 and 4). Flipper mounted tags (SPOT) will continue to send information during periods when the seals haul out.
January 7, 2016
See the attached maps showing the most recent locations of all seals tagged in 2015. While both bearded seals continue to transmit data, several spotted seals appear to have stopped transmitting.
December 8, 2015
See the attached maps showing the most recent locations of all seals tagged in 2015. With the exceptions of a spotted seal that was harvested for subsistence near Point Hope, another spotted seal that dropped off the air on October 5th, and possibly a third spotted seal whose last transmission was on December 5th, all remaining seals continue to transmit location and behavior data. Both bearded seals continue to transmit good data.
November 5, 2015
See the attached map showing the most recent locations as of November 5, 2015. Now that it is quite “wintery”, our field operations have officially halted for the year. This year we tagged a total of 14 seals (12 spotted and 2 bearded). Despite some pretty good ice, we were unable to tag a ringed seal in 2015. It was reported previously that bearded seal #2 had stopped transmitting. We are happy to report that this seal is again transmitting data. With the exception of one spotted seal that was harvested for subsistence and another spotted seal that dropped off the air on 5-Oct, all remaining seals are still transmitting data on their locations and diving behavior.
October 11, 2015
See the attached map showing the most recent locations as of October 11, 2015. To date, we have tagged a total of 14 seals (12 spotted and 2 bearded). We were very excited to tag a second bearded seal on 17 Sept 2015. Unfortunately, this seal stopped transmitting on 5 Oct 2015, as did one spotted seal. With the exception of the spotted seal that was harvested for subsistence and the two seals that stopped transmitting, all remaining seals are still transmitting data on their locations and diving behavior. In the near future and weather permitting, we intend to try to catch and tag more seals.
September 16, 2015
As you see on the attached map (showing most recent locations as of September 16, 2015), it has been a very busy season of seal tagging. To date, we have tagged a total of 13 seals (12 spotted and 1 bearded). We were very excited to tag a bearded seal, and we hope to tag more. Other than a brief hiatus to avoid interfering with the whale harvest in Barrow, our tagging season will continue until prevented by the weather. With the exception of one spotted seal that was harvested for subsistence, all remaining seals continue to broadcast data on their locations and diving behavior.
August 19, 2015
Six more spotted seals have been tagged in the last three weeks. The attached map shows their most recent locations (as of August 19, 2015).
July 31, 2015
All three tagged spotted seals continue to transmit data. The attached map shows their most recent locations (as of July 31, 2015). Two are heading down the western coast of Alaska, while the third has found its way to the northern coast of Chukotka.
July 20, 2015
Last week, we tagged three spotted seals in the vicinity of Oarlock Island in Dease Inlet. The attached map shows their most recent locations (as of July 20, 2015).
