April 5, 2019
We would like to bring sealer’s attention to a notice we received from DFO today regarding the tagging of a few harp seals in the Gulf of St. Lawrence with satellite linked recorders attached to them. Thanks to scientist Garry Stetson for this update.
• DFO Science has tagged twelve harp seal beaters in the Gulf of St. Lawrence with satellite linked time-depth recorders to track movement of young harp seals and determine how they respond to climate change.
• This is a joint project with colleagues at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland.
• We have deployed satellite transmitters on adult harp seals in the past, but this is the first time they have been deployed on beaters in the North West Atlantic.
• The tags provide valuable data on the movements of young harp seals and how they develop the ability to dive. They also provide data on water temperature that can be used by oceanographers to gain a better understanding of ours oceans.
• All of these data improve our understanding of the North West Atlantic and how it is being impacted by climate change.
• We are seeking harvesters cooperation and asking sealers not to harvest these tagged seals. The tag is clearly visible and humanely fixed on the top of the seal’s shoulders with an antenna extending over the head.
• If you see a tagged seal, please report the location of the seal to Dr. Garry Stenson atgarry.stenson@dfo-mpo.gc.ca