HOODED SEAL (CYSTOPHORA CRISTATA) RECORDS FROM THE SOUTHERN GULF OF MAINE

Abstract

Hooded seals (Cystophora cristata) whelp on the North Atlantic pack ice in early spring and then historically distribute as far south as Nova Scotia. Recent reports document increased sightings in the northern Gulf of Maine. To determine the number of sightings in the southern Gulf of Maine, we reviewed records of stranded hooded seals between Kittery and Rockland, Maine, for 1997–1999 and found 84 confirmed reports. The 1998 totals (43), exceeded those in 1997 (20) or 1999 (21). Most sightings occurred during the winter months, with six in the summer/fall of 1999. Thus, hooded seals are sighted in substantial numbers in both the southern and northern Gulf of Maine.