Status of Harbour Seals, Phoca vitulina, in Canada

Abstract

The Harbour Seal (Phoca vitulina) inhabits all three of Canada's coastlines, as well as a number of fresh-water systems. Three subspecies are recognized from Canadian waters, Phoca vitulina richardsi from the Pacific coast, Phoca vitulina concolor from the Atlantic and Arctic coasts, and Phoca vitulina mellonae from several freshwater lakes on the Ungava Peninsula, Quebec. This report reviews the status and management of Phoca vitulina richardsi and Phoca vitulina concolor in Canadian waters, discussing distribution, movements, population discrimination, population size and trends, and threats to this species in Canada. The Harbour Seal population in western Canada is large and has been increasing in size. While there are a number of actual or potential anthropogenic threats, including: overfishing, immunosuppresion due to accumulation of toxins, and illegal killing associated with aquaculture operations, the western Canadian population should probably be listed as not at risk. Little recent research has been undertaken on Harbour Seals in the Canadian Arctic or for most areas off eastern Canada, and insufficient information is available to assess the status of these populations.