RESULTS OF LONG-TERM OBSERVATIONS OF DISTRIBUTION, SEASONAL MIGRATIONS AND RELATIVE NUMBER OF BEARDED SEAL (ERIGNATUS BARBATUS EXLEBEN, 1777) IN THE COASTAL WATERS OF CHUKOTKA PENINSULA
https://doi.org/10.15853/2072-8212.2019.54.85-102
Abstract
Information about seasonal distribution and migrations of bearded seal in the Pacific sector of Arctics is limited despite an important role of the species as a sourse of nutrition for people of the North. Coastal observations of bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus) took place from different settlements situated on Chukotka Peninsula in 1993–1996, 1998–2000, 2002–2005 and 2010–2011. These observations resulted in collecting data about spatial and temporal distribution, movements and relative number of bearded seals in the coastal zones. In winter, bearded seals have been aggregating on young ice in the northern Gulf of Anadyr. In spring period (April–May) the most dense aggregation of the animals is near Nunligran Settlement (Cape Amchen). In spring and early summer bearded seals migrate toward Bering Strait from the Gulf of Anadyr. The migration toward the strait and northward continues during the period of open water and stops by August. In summer months (August and September) the animals can be seen sporadically. Poorly espressed autumn migration in the coastal zone of Chukotka takes place in October–December. The northern Gulf of Anadyr is one of wintering sites for bearded seals. The research indicates spring migration from the gulf to the Chukchi Sea through the Bering Strait.
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For citations:
Melnikov V.V. RESULTS OF LONG-TERM OBSERVATIONS OF DISTRIBUTION, SEASONAL MIGRATIONS AND RELATIVE NUMBER OF BEARDED SEAL (ERIGNATUS BARBATUS EXLEBEN, 1777) IN THE COASTAL WATERS OF CHUKOTKA PENINSULA. The researches of the aquatic biological resources of Kamchatka and the North-West Part of the Pacific Ocean. 2019;1(54):85-102. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.15853/2072-8212.2019.54.85-102
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