The biology, economic status and control of the harbour seal (Phoca vitulina richardli) in British Columbia, with particular reference to the Skeena River area ...

• Main Author: Fisher, Harold Dean
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: University of British Columbia 2012
• Subjects: harbour seal; Phoca vitulina
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.14288/1.0107033; https://doi.library.ubc.ca/10.14288/1.0107033

Distribution of the harbour seal in British Columbia is extensive and includes at least 20 rivers and 6 lakes. An estimated 450 individuals utilize 8 hauling out sites in the area at the mouth of the Skeena River. A seasonal upriver movement in the Skeena River begins with the onset of the eulachon run in March, developing to a maximum in the fall and apparently dependent in its extent upon the available salmon supply. The extent and manner of daily movements is dealt with in some detail. Harbour seal habitats are described. Mating in the Skeena area takes place in September and October. Sexual maturity is inferred to occur at the end of the third year. The birth season in the Skeena area begins in the last part of May at the earliest and ends in the latter half of June. Parturition in upriver areas appears to be adjusted to the tidal exposure of the bars. The weight of the pups is doubled in the first 5 or 6 weeks of life, and a weight decrease of about 20 per cent occurs during the weaning period in the ...