Seals in Surtsey, the period 1980–2005

Abstract

The author has been surveying common and grey seals on the coast of iceland since 1980 and here are taken together all aerial sightings on Surtsey. The grey seal (Halichoerus grypus Fabricius) has established a considerable breeding site on the northern spit of the Surtsey island, which is now one of the biggest rookeries on the southern shores of iceland, with estimated 63 (95% Ci 62 – 66) pups born there in the autumn of year 2005. on the other hand, the common seal (Phoca vitulina L.) has not been numerous in Surtsey during its breeding time in the summer. Breeding sites of common seals on the South-Coast of iceland closest to Surtsey are Ölfusá, Thjórsá, Markarfljót and kúdafljót. They, however, haul-out in great numbers on the northern shores on Surtsey during the winter, presumably using the island as a resting place after making feeding trips to the adjacent waters.