Semi-annual progress report: Distribution and abundance of harbor and gray seals: Acadia National Park area

Richardson, David

From the introduction: "A two-year study of Harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) and Gray seals (Halichoerus grypus) on the Maine coast in the vicinity of Acadia National Park was initiated in July 1971. The study is funded by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of Interior, Contract Number 14-10-9-900-380, and is contracted through the Maine Department of Sea and Shore Fisheries under the guidance of Marine Research Director, Robert Dow. David Richardson was hired by the Department as a research biologist to carry out the study. The principal goals are: 1. To determine past distribution and abundance of the two seal species. 2. To determine present distribution and abundance, including a determination of feeding areas, resting or sleeping areas, whelping sites, and other significant seal habitat. 3. To find reasons for changes which have occurred in distribution and abundance, if any. 4. To determine if legislation is needed in order to protect present and future populations of Harbor and Gray seals and, if so, draft a bill which would adequately protect the two species. 5. To determine what opportunities now exist for park visitors to observe seals. 6. To provide a detailed explanatory listing of research needs concerning the ecology of seals in the vicinity of Acadia National Park. 'It is further understood that as the study progresses, certain unanticipated but important lines of investigation may be revealed, which may be pursued, by contract change if necessary, as approved by the Contracting Officer in writing as being within the scopes of this contract.' This first semiannual report, as requested in Article II of the contract, will explain the methods and results of the first fifteen weeks of field study investigating the ecology of seals and man's relationship with seals."