Netting and conventional tagging used to study movements of ringed seals (<i>Phoca hispida</i>) in Greenland

Abstract

Seven studies of netting and tagging of ringed seals (Phoca hispida) in Greenland 1976-1997 are described. The areas of operation were: northern part of the Upernavik area (Northwest Greenland), Kong Oscars Fjord (Northeast Greenland), and Avanersuaq (Thule, North Greenland). Altogether, 135 seals were caught, of which 99 were tagged and released with Dalton Jumbo rototags. Recapture of 38 tagged seals has been reported to date. The recaptures demonstrate movements of ringed seals in Greenland of more than 100km within districts, as well as long-distance movements of more than 1000km from the site of release.

Keywords

• ringed seals
• Phoca hispida
• Greenland
• mark-recapture
• tagging
• movements