Spatio-Temporal Variation in Ringed Seal (Pusa Hispida) Density and Habitat Use in the Last Ice Area

Abstract

The Arctic is experiencing warming at a rate approximately four times faster than the global average, contributing to precipitous declines in the extent, thickness, age, and seasonal duration of sea ice. The full effects of these rapid changes in sea ice habitat on the Arctic marine ecosystem remain unknown, especially in the High Arctic where ecological research has been limited due to its remoteness. Ringed seals (Pusa hispida) are an abundant ice-associated pinniped species with a habitat range spanning the circumpolar region, making them an ideal study species for exploring ecological changes under changing environmental conditions. Using observations from aerial surveys, this thesis provides the first study on spatio-temporal variation in ringed seal density and habitat use in their northern most range in the Canadian High Arctic, highlighting the importance of bathymetry and marine terminating glaciers to the summer habitat use of ringed seals in the Last Ice Area.