2016 Results of Steller Sea Lion Surveys in Alaska
April 26, 2016
Aerial, ship, and land-based surveys to count Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) pups and non-pups on terrestrial rookery and haul-out sites in Alaska were conducted by the Marine Mammal Laboratory (MML) in June to July 2016.
Aerial, ship, and land-based surveys to count Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) pups (approx. 1 mo old) and non-pups (adults and juveniles ≥ 1 year old) on terrestrial rookery and haul-out sites in Alaska were conducted by the MML in June to July 2016. The manned aerial survey was conducted from June 23 to July 11 from the western Gulf of Alaska (158°W) to the Delarof Islands in the central Aleutian Islands (179°W). The ship-based survey, which included the use of an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS), was conducted from June 23 to July 6 in the Aleutian Islands between 172°E and 166°W. In addition, Steller sea lions were counted from land on Round Island in Bristol Bay by Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) and on Ugamak Island in the eastern Aleutian Islands by MML.