Observations of Grey Seals (Halichoerus Grypus) in the Varzuga River Mouth (Tersky Coast of the White Sea)

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Abstract

The study presents the first results of autumn observations of gray seals Halichoerus grypus in the Varzuga River mouth, Tersky coast of the White Sea, conducted in 2019, 2023 and 2024. In autumn, a small number of gray seals appeared to be mainly adult males enter the mouth to prey on Atlantic salmon Salmo salar. According to photo-identification data, in October 2024, the individual composition of seals was relatively constant, and one of the eight identified individuals (presumably a female) returned to the mouth in two consecutive years. Presumably, the observed seals belong to individuals that specialize in certain prey species (salmonids) and demonstrate a characteristic feeding behavior which can persist for a long time. Based on the results of this study, as well as earlier reports from the literature, there is reason to believe that gray seals are regularly encountered at the mouth of the Varzuga River in the autumn, and the northern part of the White Sea Basin, along with Voronka and Gorlo, is part of the range of the Northeast Atlantic grey seal population.

About the authors

V. V Krasnova

Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences

Email: vera.krasnova@mail.ru
Moscow, Russia

A. M Chernetsky

Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences

Moscow, Russia

E. M Panova

Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences

Moscow, Russia

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