2015 Results of Steller Sea Lion Surveys in Alaska
April 26, 2015
Aerial, ship, and land-based surveys to count Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) adults, juveniles, and pups on terrestrial rookery and haulout sites in Alaska were conducted by the Marine Mammal Laboratory (MML) in June to July 2015.
Aerial, ship, and land-based surveys to count Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) pups (approx. 1 month old) and non-pups (adults and juveniles ≥ 1 year old) on terrestrial rookery and haulout sites in Alaska were conducted by the MML in June to July 2015. The manned aerial survey was conducted from June 24 to July 8 in southeast Alaska north of Dixon Entrance through the Semidi Islands in the central Gulf of Alaska (between 132°W and 158°W), as well as in northern Bristol Bay (eastern Bering Sea). Ship-based surveys, which included the use of an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS), were conducted from June 20 to July 1 in the Aleutian Islands between 172°E and 165°W, and from July 13–18 in the Pribilof Islands (eastern Bering Sea). In addition, Steller sea lions were counted on Round Island in Bristol Bay by Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) scientists studying Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) and on St. George (Pribilof) Island by MML scientists studying northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus).