Status of harbour seals ( Phoca vitulina ) in Atlantic Canada

摘要: Harbour seals are associated with small islets, reefs and rocks exposed at low tide estuarine habitats throughout eastern Canada. Evidence of harvesting by indigenous people has been found in pre-European contact archaeological excavations. A bounty harvest as well subsistence commercial hunting probably lead to a decline the population from 1949 early 1970s. The was removed 1976, harbour seals, southern parts their range have protected since then. There is little information available on total abundance current trend. Mitochondrial microsatellite DNA research shown separation between Northeast Northwest Atlantic seals. Within Canada, subspecies Phoca vitulina  concolor shows some sub-structure three distinct units that could be separated into Hudson Bay, Gulf St. Lawrence Sable Island. Urban development resulting habitat degradation most important factor affecting seal populations although other factors such incidental catches fisheries competition grey may also important.