Abstract
The distribution, movements and diving of high-arctic harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) were studied in Svalbard, Norway, from 1992 to 1995. A total of 14 seals were equipped with satellite transmitters at Prins Karls Forland (ca. 78°30′N 12°E). These gave data on position, but ten also gave information on dive depths (N ∼ 160,000) and dive durations (N ∼ 162,000). Dive-depth frequencies show that ∼50% of the diving is shallower than 40 m, and that 95% of the diving is shallower than 250 m. Based on dive-duration frequencies, ∼50% of the dives lasted 2–4 min, 90% of the dives lasted less than 7 min, and 97% were shorter than 10 min. All but three seals stayed in the tagging area.
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Accepted: 6 October 2000
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Gjertz, I., Lydersen, C. & Wiig, Ø. Distribution and diving of harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) in Svalbard. Polar Biol 24, 209–214 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s003000000197
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s003000000197