Monitoring harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) in the Danish Wadden Sea

Abstract

Monitoring of harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) has been carried out in the Danis part of the Wadden Sea during the past 8 years by the Fishery and Maritime Museum. In addition to this, field observations over three breeding seasons have been undertaken. The census shows a steady increase of approx. 14% per yeart. The distribution of the seals in the area can be split up into two different types of haulout localities, and a varied pattern of haulouts is observed during the year. The mass die-off in 1988 is discussed within the framework of the knowledge on the population, and it is recommended that more effort be put into monitoring and population studies of the harbour seal in the entire International Wadden Sea. © 1989 Biologische Anstalt Helgoland.