Ribbon Seal
Histriophoca fasciata
Protection Status
Quick Facts
About the Species
Ribbon seals are among the most striking and easily recognizable seals in the world. The ribbon seal gets its name from the distinctive adult coat pattern of light-colored bands or “ribbons” on a dark background.
Ribbon seals inhabit the North Pacific Ocean and adjacent southern parts of the Arctic Ocean. In U.S. waters, they are found off the coast of Alaska in the Bering Sea and in the Chukchi and western Beaufort Seas. Ribbon seals are considered relatively solitary, spending most of their time in the open ocean and forming loose aggregations on pack ice during spring to give birth, nurse pups, and molt. As such, they are sensitive to changes in the environment that affect the timing and extent of sea ice formation and breakup.
Ribbon seals, like all marine mammals, are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Population Status
Although it is difficult to accurately estimate the total abundance of ribbon seals, scientists have concluded that the range-wide population likely consists of at least 200,000 to 300,000 seals. The current population trend cannot be determined, but strong upward or downward trends in the recent past seem unlikely based on the available data. Only the Alaska stock of ribbon seals is recognized in U.S. waters.
Historically, subsistence harvest of ribbon seals has been low. While commercial harvest of marine mammals is not allowed in the United States, such harvests are permitted by the Russian Federation. Commercial harvests by Russian sealers have at times been high enough to cause significant reductions in abundance; however, since 1994 harvest levels have remained low.
Appearance
The ribbon seal gets its name from the distinctive pattern exhibited by mature individuals, which consists of light-colored ribbons that encircle the neck, each foreflipper, and hips. Adult males are the most striking, having a dark brown to black coat with white ribbons, while adult females range from silvery-gray to dark brown with paler ribbons. Juvenile ribbon seals typically have indistinct ribbons that gradually develop over 3 years with each successive annual molt. Ribbon seal pups are born with a thick, wooly white coat (lanugo) that is molted after 3 to 5 weeks.
Ribbon seals are medium-sized when compared with the other three species of ice-associated seals in the North Pacific, being larger than ringed seals, smaller than bearded seals, and similar in size to spotted seals. At birth, ribbon seal pups are approximately 34 inches long and weigh about 21 pounds. Adults are about 5 to 6 feet long and weigh about 200 to 330 pounds.
Behavior and Diet
Ribbon seals are considered relatively solitary, spending most of their time in the open ocean and forming loose aggregations in pack ice during spring to give birth, nurse pups, and molt. Unlike most other northern seals, they are relatively unwary of their surroundings while hauled out, which suggests they have not been exposed to the same level of predation (e.g, from polar bears and foxes).
Ribbon seals move across the ice in a way that is distinct from the caterpillar-like movement of other ice seals. They alternate foreflipper strokes to pull themselves forward while moving their head and hips in a side-to-side motion.
Ribbon seals are known to eat a variety of fishes, cephalopods, and crustaceans; however, information about their feeding habits is limited and mostly restricted to the spring when they typically feed less.
Where They Live
Ribbon seals inhabit the North Pacific Ocean and adjacent southern parts of the Arctic Ocean, where they occur most commonly in the Sea of Okhotsk and Bering Sea. In U.S. waters off the coast of Alaska, they are found in the Bering Sea and in the Chukchi and western Beaufort Seas. Ribbon seal breeding occurs in both the Bering Sea and Sea of Okhotsk.
Although ribbon seals are strongly associated with sea ice during the whelping (or birthing), breeding, and molting periods, they do not remain on sea ice after they finish molting. During summer, ice melts completely in the Sea of Okhotsk, and by the time the Bering Sea ice recedes north through the Bering Strait, there are usually only a small number of ribbon seals hauled out on the ice. Significant numbers of ribbon seals are only seen again when the sea ice reforms in winter.
Individual ribbon seals are occasionally sighted along the coasts of Asia and North America, which are not considered part of their normal range, or in unusual habitats within their range. For example, a young adult ribbon seal was observed on several occasions hauled out on docks in the inland waters of Washington state.
Lifespan & Reproduction
The rates of survival and reproduction are not well known, but the normal lifespan of a ribbon seal is probably 20 years, with a maximum of perhaps 30 years. Ribbon seals become sexually mature at 1 to 5 years of age, most likely depending on environmental conditions.
Ribbon seal mothers give birth to a single pup far offshore in seasonal pack ice over a period of about 5 to 6 weeks during April to early May. Most pups are weaned by mid-May, which occurs when the mother abandons the pup. The mother typically breeds again shortly after weaning.
Threats
Climate Change Effects on Sea Ice
Ribbon seals rely on the availability of suitable sea ice as a haul-out platform for giving birth, nursing pups, and molting. As such, ribbon seals are sensitive to changes in the environment that affect timing and extent of sea ice formation and breakup. The 2013 status review of the ribbon seal under the ESA concluded that it is likely that ongoing and projected changes in sea ice (and possible changes to their prey base related to changes in ocean conditions) will result in a gradual decline in seal abundance.
Additional Factors of Potential Concern
The continuing decline in summer sea ice in recent years has renewed interest in using the Arctic Ocean as a potential waterway for coastal, regional, and trans-Arctic marine operations, which pose varying levels of threat to ribbon seals depending on the type and intensity of the shipping activity and its degree of spatial and temporal overlap with the seals. Offshore oil and gas exploration and development could also impact ribbon seals. The most significant risk that these activities pose is accidentally or illegally discharging oil or other toxic substances, which would have immediate and potentially long-term effects. Ribbon seals could also be directly affected by noise and physical disturbance of habitat associated with such activities.
While commercial harvest of marine mammals is not allowed in the United States, such harvests are permitted by the Russian government. Commercial harvests by Russian sealers have at times been high enough to cause significant reductions in abundance. Although recent quotas put in place by the Russian government would allow large annual harvests, harvest levels have remained low.
Scientific Classification
Kingdom | Animalia | Phylum | Chordata | Class | Mammalia | Order | Carnivora | Family | Phocidae | Genus | Histriophoca | Species | fasciata |
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What We Do
Conservation & Management
NOAA Fisheries is committed to the protection and management of ribbon seals. In the United States, management actions taken to secure protections for these seals include:
- Overseeing marine mammal health and stranding response.
- Working cooperatively under our co-management agreements with Alaska Native organizations, particularly the Ice Seal Committee, regarding issues related to subsistence use of ice seals, including ribbon seals.
- Educating the public about ribbon seals and the threats they face.
Science
Our research projects have discovered new aspects of ribbon seal biology, behavior, and ecology, which help us better understand the challenges that all ribbon seals face. Our work includes:
- Conducting distribution surveys.
- Using satellite telemetry to track movements, foraging, and haul-out behavior.
- Sampling tissue to evaluate population structure and health.
- Collecting feces to investigate diet.
How You Can Help
Report Marine Life in Distress
In Alaska, report a sick, injured, entangled, stranded, or dead marine mammal to the Alaska Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline at (877) 925-7773 to make sure professional responders and scientists know about it and can take appropriate action. Numerous organizations around Alaska are trained to receive reports and respond when necessary.
On the west coast of the U.S., please contact the West Coast Region Stranding Hotline at (866) 767-6114.
Other reporting hotlines and resources:
- To report entangled marine mammals:
- Entanglement Reporting Hotline: 1-877-SOS-WHAL or 1-877-767-9425
- The U.S. Coast Guard: VHF Ch. 16
- To report derelict gear:
- Derelict Gear Hotline: 1-855-542-3935
- Regional stranding response contacts
Keep Your Distance
Be responsible when viewing marine life in the wild. Observe all seals and sea lions from a safe distance of at least 50 yards and limit your time spent observing to 30 minutes or less.
Report a Violation
Call the NOAA Fisheries Enforcement Hotline at (800) 853-1964 to report a federal marine resource violation. This hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone in the United States.
You may also contact your closest NOAA Office of Law Enforcement field office during regular business hours.
Featured News
Management Overview
Ribbon seals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 as amended.
Co-Management Agreements
Alaska Natives have a long history of subsistence use of marine mammals for food and handicrafts.
In 1994, the MMPA was amended to add section 119, which reads, "The Secretary may enter into cooperative agreements with Alaska Native Organizations to conserve marine mammals and provide co-management of subsistence use by Alaska Natives." These co-management agreements may be established between NOAA Fisheries or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Alaska Native Organizations, including (but not limited to) Alaska Native tribes and tribally authorized co-management bodies. Co-management promotes full and equal participation by Alaska Natives in decisions affecting the subsistence management of marine mammals (to the maximum extent allowed by law) as a tool for conserving marine mammal populations in U.S. waters in and around Alaska.
NOAA Fisheries entered into a co-management agreement with the Ice Seal Committee (PDF, 7 pages) in October 2006. The Ice Seal Committee is an Alaska Native Organization that represents ice seal subsistence users in the five regions of Alaska that harvest ice seals: Bristol Bay (Bristol Bay Native Association), Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (Association of Village Council Presidents), Bering Sea (Kawerak, Inc.), Northwest Arctic (Maniilaq Association), and the Arctic Slope (North Slope Borough). The Ice Seal Committee is dedicated to conserving ice seal populations, habitat, and hunting and to preserving native cultures and traditions. The Ice Seal Committee co-manages ice seals with NOAA Fisheries by monitoring subsistence harvest and cooperating on needed research, and education programs pertaining to ice seals.
The Ice Seal Committee adopted an Ice Seal Management Plan (PDF, 8 pages) in January 2012 that outlines the members' management principles and goals.
Conservation Efforts
Overseeing Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response
We work with volunteer networks in all coastal states to respond to marine mammal strandings including all pinnipeds. When stranded animals are found alive, NOAA Fisheries and our partners assess the animal’s health and determine the best course of action. When stranded animals are found dead, our scientists work to understand and investigate the cause of death. Although the cause often remains unknown, scientists can sometimes attribute strandings to disease, harmful algal blooms, vessel strikes, fishing gear entanglements, pollution exposure, and underwater noise. Some strandings can serve as indicators of ocean health, giving insight into larger environmental issues that may also have implications for human health and welfare.
Learn more about the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program
Marine Mammal Unusual Mortality Events
Ribbon Seals have been part of a declared unusual mortality event in the past. Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, an unusual mortality event is defined as "a stranding that is unexpected; involves a significant die-off of any marine mammal population; and demands immediate response." To understand the health of marine mammal populations, scientists study unusual mortality events.
Regulatory History
Ribbon seals, like all marine mammals, are protected under the MMPA.
Key Actions and Documents
Incidental Take Authorization: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Port of Nome Modification Project in Nome, Alaska
Incidental Take Authorization: University of Alaska Geophysics Institute Geophysical Surveys in the Arctic Ocean
Incidental Take Authorization: Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Marine Geophysical Survey in the Aleutian Islands
Incidental Take Authorization: Crowley Kotzebue Dock Upgrade in Kotzebue, Alaska
Science Overview
NOAA Fisheries conducts a variety of research on the biology, behavior, and ecology of ribbon seals. The results of this research are used to inform management decisions and enhance protection efforts for this species.
Population/Stock Assessments
Our scientists collect information on ribbon seals from various sources and present these data in an annual stock assessment report. Stock assessment reports contain scientific information on a species’ or stock’s geographic range, population structure, abundance, and threats, which helps resource managers assess the success of enacted management and conservation measures.
Ice Seal Surveys
Reliable distribution and abundance estimates for ice-associated seals are vital for developing sound plans for management, conservation, and responses to potential environmental impacts. NOAA Fisheries’ Marine Mammal Laboratory Polar Ecosystems Program designs and conducts surveys and uses the results to develop data products to address this fundamental information need. Additional information about the program’s research is available in recent reports and publications.
Genetic Analysis
Molecular genetic techniques are being applied to several taxonomic, evolutionary and demographic questions in ribbon, ringed, spotted, and bearded seals, including the relationships among the different species and the population structure and dispersal patterns within each species. For example, NOAA Fisheries recently initiated a collaborative research project with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to determine whether mitochondral DNA would help resolve questions of population and stock structure in ringed, bearded, and ribbon seals. Initial efforts are revealing high levels of genetic variation in all species.
Additional Research
The Polar Ecosystems Program’s ongoing research on abundance, distribution, migration, and foraging behavior of ribbon seals in Alaska helps us to understand their role of ribbon seals in the marine ecosystem and inform management decisions for the conservation of this species.
More Information
Recent Science Blogs
Documents
References Cited Endangered and Threatened Species; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Arctic Subspecies of the Ringed Seal (Revised Proposed Rule)
References Cited for a Proposed Designation of Critical Habitat for the Arctic Subspecies of the…
Ice Seal Management Plan (2012)
Principles by which the members of the Ice Seal Committee will manage ice seals.
Biological and Conference Opinion on the Issuance of Marine Mammal Protection Act Permit No. 20466 to Alaska Department of Fish and Game for Scientific Research on Ice Seals
This document represents the NOAA Fisheries opinion on the effects of these actions on the bearded…
References Cited for Ribbon Seal Endangered Species Act Determination
This document contains the references cited for the Endangered Species Act listing for the ribbon…
Data & Maps
Alaska Ribbon Seal Data Sets
The Alaska Fisheries Science Center's ribbon seal data sets are available on the NOAA Fisheries…
Alaska Ice Seal Data Sets
The Alaska Fisheries Science Center's ice seal (bearded, ringed, spotted and ribbon seals) data…
Ice Seal Distribution Data of Alaska
Separate Biological Review Teams (BRTs) were convened by NOAA Fisheries to assess the best…
Research
Ice Seal Research in Alaska
Four species of ice-associated seals inhabit the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort seas of the Alaskan Arctic. These species are bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus), ringed seals (Phoca hispida), spotted seals (Phoca largha), and ribbon seals (Histriophoca…
Biology of the Ribbon Seal in Alaska
Alaska Department of Fish and Game report on ribbon seals to NOAA Fisheries.