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Evaluation of a method using survey counts and tag data to estimate the number of Pacific walruses (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) using a coastal haulout in northwestern Alaska

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Abstract

Increased periods of sparse sea ice over the continental shelf of the Chukchi Sea in late summer have reduced offshore haulout habitat for Pacific walruses (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) and increased opportunities for human activities in the region. Knowing how many walruses could be affected by human activities would be useful to conservation decisions. Currently, there are no adequate estimates of walrus abundance in the northeastern Chukchi Sea during summer–early autumn. Estimating abundance in autumn might be possible from coastal surveys of hauled out walruses during periods when offshore sea ice is unavailable to walruses. We evaluated methods to estimate the size of the walrus population that was using a haulout on the coast of northwestern Alaska in autumn by using aerial photography to count the number of hauled out walruses (herd size) and data from 37 tagged walruses to estimate availability (proportion of population hauled out). We used two methods to estimate availability, direct proportions of hauled out tagged walruses and smoothed proportions using local polynomial regression. Point estimates of herd size (4200–38,000 walruses) and total population size (76,000–287,000 walruses) ranged widely among days and between the two methods of estimating availability. Estimates of population size were influenced most by variation in estimates of availability. Coastal surveys might be improved most by counting walruses when the greatest numbers are hauled out, thereby reducing the influence of availability on population size estimates. The chance of collecting data during peak haulout periods would be improved by conducting multiple surveys.

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Acknowledgements

This project was supported by funds from the USGS Outer Continental Shelf Studies Program and the USGS Changing Arctic Ecosystems initiative. We especially thank Leo Ferreira III, Marie Tracey, Warren Harding-Lampe, and other residents of Point Lay for support of the telemetry work and updates on walrus activity near Point Lay. Thanks to Clearwater Air and Janet Clarke, Corey Accardo and Vicki Beaver of the Aerial Surveys of Arctic Marine Mammals, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration for aerial support and logistics. We would like to thank John Citta, Paul Conn and Lisa Schwarz for their reviews which greatly improved the manuscript. Walrus tagging was conducted under USFWS Permit Number MA801652-7. Any mention of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not constitute endorsement by the US Government.

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  1. U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Drive, Anchorage, AK, 99508, USA

    Brian C. Battaile, Chadwick V. Jay, Mark S. Udevitz & Anthony S. Fischbach

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  1. Brian C. Battaile
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  2. Chadwick V. Jay
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  3. Mark S. Udevitz
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Correspondence to Brian C. Battaile.

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All applicable international, national, and/or institutional guidelines for the care and use of animals were followed. All procedures performed in studies involving animals were in accordance with the ethical standards and the approval of the USGS.

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Battaile, B.C., Jay, C.V., Udevitz, M.S. et al. Evaluation of a method using survey counts and tag data to estimate the number of Pacific walruses (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) using a coastal haulout in northwestern Alaska. Polar Biol 40, 1359–1369 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-016-2060-5

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