Abstract
We conducted a review of the literature and unpublished databases to describe the distribution, abundance, ecology and status of harbour seals (Phoca vitulina concolor) in U.S. Atlantic waters. The harbour seal is the most abundant and widespread seal species in this area. Since passage of the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, the number of harbour seals observed during the pupping season in this region has increased from about 10,500 animals in 1981 to 38,000 animals in 2001 (uncorrected counts), an average annual rate of 6.6%. This increase has beenrelatively consistent over the 20 years, and there is no indication that the population size has stabilized. Correspondingly, the seasonal distribution has expanded and interactions between seals and anthropogenic activities have increased.
Highlights
Harbour seals (Phoca vitulina concolor) have been recorded in the journals and sketches of European settlers in the northeastern U.S since the beginning of the 17th century (Katona et al 1993, deHart 2002)
Since 1972 seals have been protected in U.S waters under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA)
Following enactment of the MMPA harbour seal studies were initiated along the coast of Maine (Richardson 1976, Wilson 1978)
Summary
Harbour seals (Phoca vitulina concolor) have been recorded in the journals and sketches of European settlers in the northeastern U.S since the beginning of the 17th century (Katona et al 1993, deHart 2002). Harbour seals were killed by fishermen and others as they were considered a nuisance and a competitor for fish (Gilbert et al 2005). New England hunting and bounty programmes resulted in local extinction (Katona et al 1993). Since 1972 seals have been protected in U.S waters under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). Following enactment of the MMPA harbour seal studies were initiated along the coast of Maine (Richardson 1976, Wilson 1978). The first studies provided information on distribu-
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