The Breeding and Distribution of the Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus Fab.) in the Baltic Sea, with Observations on other Seals of the Area

摘要: The grey seal ( Halichoerus grypus Fab.) is considered to be one of the rarest species seals. area greatest abundance centred around coasts British Isles where has been established for a considerable period. Grey Seals Acts 1914 and 1932 gave protection in waters during breeding months September December. But this also occurs other countries North Atlantic, notably Eastern Canada, often on ice (figures 12, 13, plate 4), Iceland, Faroes, Norway, Kola peninsular Baltic Sea. total population estimated (Smith 1966) ca . 52500. Since last deglaciation changes have occurred region, but at present time tideless sea – which embraces Gulfs Bothnia, Finland Riga, salinity as low 3.75 ‰, an 400000 km 2 breeds March ice, does ringed same month though common June sandbanks or rocks. Within valuable productive fishery inevitable conflict long existed between man seals, both predators economically fish, e. g. herring, cod, eel, salmon species, leading imposition bounty payments seals killed. Over years very large numbers killed, chiefly by fishermen Sweden Finland, obtain bounties from authorities. Unlike planned culling undertaken some colonies, killings made random little known its effect upon survival species. In it not possible undertake counts owing scattered nature their unpredictability winter coverage.