Researchers from the AFSC National Marine Mammal Laboratory’s Polar Ecosystems Program spent 29 days (13 May- 11 June 2009) working to improve our understanding of the ecology, distribution, and abundance of seals in the Bering Sea. Bearded, spotted, ringed, and ribbon seals, often referred to collectively as “ice seals,” are seasonally ice-associated species that may be vulnerable to climate change through loss of sea ice. The ice seals found in the Bering Sea during spring have rarely been studied, and there are no current estimates of abundance or comprehensive descriptions of their distribution and habitat use. Further, the ice seals also are critical to the nutritional and cultural sustainability of Alaska Native communities along the Bering Sea coast. A fundamental understanding of these seals’ abundance, distribution, and foraging ecology is essential for NOAA to meet its Protected Resources mandates.
This research cruise on board the NOAA ship McArthur II focused on two key components:
- Locate, capture, sample, and apply satellite-linked tags to ribbon and spotted seals in the marginal ice zone of the Bering Sea, and
- Evaluate the utility of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) technology to improve ice seal abundance and distribution estimates by flying sensor test flights and limited line transect surveys with an Insight A-20 UAS.
Josh London | Dashing for the Edge
An adult male ribbon seal dashes for the edge of the ice floe after release. Ribbon seals are amazingly fast for a phocid. They use their fore-flippers to propel themselves across the ice. |
Josh London | Pausing After Release
An adult male ribbon seal, just released pauses before dashing to the water. |
Josh London | Attaching Tag to Male Ribbon Seal
Shawn Dahle attaches a satellite tag to the head of an adult male ribbon seal under the eye of Chief Scientist, Michael Cameron. Gavin Brady helps control the animal and Tracey Goldstein monitors the heart rate and breathing. John Jansen captures a few photos of the tag placement. |
Shawn Dahle | Tagged ribbon seal pup
A ribbon seal pup moves across an ice floe after being fitted with a back-mounted satellite tag. |
Shawn Dahle | Head Tag on Male Ribbon Seal
A subadult male ribbon seal poses for a picture after being fitted with a head-mounted satellite tag. |
Josh London | Erin at the Helm
Erin Moreland drives our inflatable boat away from the NOAA Ship McArthur II in search of seals |
Josh London | UAS Catapult Launch
Safety crews watch on as the UAS is catapulted from the NOAA ship McArthur II. |
J.K. Jansen | UAS Launch
UAS catapulted from the NOAA ship McArthur II. |
