Effects of an offshore oil development on local abundance and distribution of ringed seals (Phoca hispida) of the Alaskan Beaufort Sea

摘要: This study investigates how densities of ringed seals were affected by construction and oil production activities at Northstar, an artificial island built in the nearshore Alaskan Beaufort Sea. Intensive replicated aerial surveys on landfast ice conducted during six spring seasons: for three seasons before began (1997–1999); after a winter intensive (2000); more limited plus drilling (2001) (2002). A Poisson regression model was used to examine seal relative distance from Northstar allowance environmental covariates. Post hoc power analysis indicated that design approach had high detect small-scale changes near if such occurred. However, not significantly proximity 2000–2002. Habitat, temporal, weather factors did have significant effects densities. shows development local distribution basking are no than slight, small natural factors. An understanding is essential when assessing potential impacts industrial activity seals.