Home: Science: Arctic Research: Arctic Stock Assessment: Monitoring the distribution and movements of ringed seals in the western Canadian Arctic
Monitoring the distribution and movements of
ringed seals in the western Canadian Arctic,
using satellite telemetry 1999-2001
Project participants
Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), NWT Area
Holman Hunters and Trappers Committee, Holman, NT
ECO Marine Corporation, Garthby, PQ
Funding from
Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans, Oceans Branch
Fisheries Joint Management Committee, Inuvik
World Wildlife Fund Canada, Toronto
 Introduction
The ringed seal is an important species in the arctic marine ecosystem,
being the main prey of the polar bear, and a major consumer of marine
fish and invertebrates. It is important to the subsistence economies of the
coastal Inuvialuit communities of Holman, Sachs Harbour, Tuktoyaktuk and
Paulatuk. Ringed seals are harvested for food, dog food and for pelts for
handicrafts and clothing.
The Holman HTC and DFO
have been studying the condition, growth and reproduction of ringed seals
in the Holman area since 1971. Seals taken in the regular harvest are
sampled and measured to monitor changes in condition and reproduction
as indicators of environmental productivity. However little is known about
the distribution, movements and stock structure of ringed seals in this area.
In 1999, the satellite-tagging project was started in the Inuvialuit community
of Holman. Four ringed seals were tagged in year one of the project. We hope
to apply 10 tags in each of 2000 (Holman) and 2001 (Cape Parry).
Study objectives
- To document the range and movements of adult, adolescent and young
of the year ringed seals from the Safety Channel area near Holman, and
from the Cape Parry area in Amundsen Gulf, from early summer through
to late spring.
- To examine the depth and duration of ringed seal dives, time at surface,
and distribution and movements of tagged seals in relation to ice conditions
and oceanographic features (depicted in satellite imagery). These data
will elucidate important feeding locations within the region, feeding
depths (water column vs benthic) and feeding behaviour.
- In a community-based program, to develop and utilize local expertise
in the application of satellite tags to ringed seals in the Inuvialuit
Settlement Region.
How were the seals tagged?
Dr. Tom Smith of ECO Marine Corp. has worked on seals in the Holman area
since the early 1970's. He coordinated the field aspects of the tagging project,
with local expertise provided by Holman seal hunters David Kuptana and Roger
Memogana, and geologist Harold Wright. Families were on site and helped too.
They set up camp at Orsokhivik (70 35.97 N latitude; 117 17.67 W longitude)
on June 27, 1999. Five 50 yd, large-mesh (9") seal nets were set, and
monitored round the clock.
When a seal was caught in one of the nets, Tom, David, Roger and Harold
expertly pulled the seal into David's 18 ft Lund boat, and brought it to the work
station on shore. The seal was calmed by gently covering its head with a piece
of canvas. No anesthetics were used.
It didn't take long for the crew to catch the seals, examine and weigh them,
clean the fur on their backs in the spot where the tag would go, and apply the
tag with five minute epoxy glue. Total handling time was about 45 minutes per
seal. Seals were released at the shore and they were soon on their way.
What are the tags like?
The satellite tags came in two sizes. The smaller of the two sizes is about
10 cm x 10 cm (carrying 2 C cells) and 10 cm x 15 cm (carrying 4 C cells).
The smaller tags were put on the two females and the larger ones on the
two males. Each tag contains its own small computer, and has an antenna.
When the seal is at the surface, the tag sends a signal to the ARGOS satellite
system.
The tags are programmed to continue to transmit until May 2000, at
which time they are expected to fall off the seal during the annual moult.
What have we found out so far?
The tags were applied to two adult males (100 kg and 84 kg, respectively),
one adult female (52 kg), and one adolescent female (39 kg). Of the four tags,
one lasted 10 days, and the other three transmitted for over 5 months. Two
are continuing to send signals and are into their sixth month of transmissions.
Their journeys are shown on the maps below. One seal "never left
home", while another traveled over 1000 km for the summer months
and then returned to the very location where he was tagged.
Overview
Movement of a ringed seal (99 - 21212) - adult female from June 28 to July 6, 1999.
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Movement of a ringed seal (99 - 11747) - adolescent female from July 1 to December 6, 1999
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Movement of a ringed seal (99 - 5056) - adult male from June 29 to December 6, 1999
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Movement of ringed seal (99 - 5092) - adult male from June 29 to November 13, 1999
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Credits
Maps:Marta Wojnarowska
Photos:Diane Codere, ECO Marine Corp.
Web Page:Donna-May Glowaicki
For more information, contact:
Lois Harwood
Arctic Science, Stock Assessment
Box 1871
Inuvik, NT X0E 0T0
Canada
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Movement of a ringed seal (99 - 21212) - adult female from June 28 to July 6, 1999.
Movement of a ringed seal (99 - 11747) - adolescent female from July 1 to December 6, 1999
Movement of a ringed seal (99 - 5056) - adult male from June 29 to December 6, 1999
Movement of ringed seal (99 - 5092) - adult male from June 29 to November 13, 1999
