Distribution of Harp and Hooded Seals in Offshore Waters of Newfoundland

Surveys conducted in offshore waters of Newfoundland and Labrador (NAFO Div. 2J and 3KL) between 1991 and 1993 indicate that both harp seals (Phoca groenlandica) and hooded seals (Cystophora cristata) were present in offshore waters during the winter. Hooded seals appeared to utilize the slope edge and northern areas to a greater extent than harp seals. The waters near the border of Div. 3K and 3L may be an important wintering area for both species. Harp seals were particularly abundant in this area in 1992 and 1993. Groundfish hydroacoustic surveys indicate that high densities of cod were present in this area in 1992 but not 1993, suggesting that the reason for the presence of seals in the area may not be the occurrence of pre-spawning concentrations of cod, per. se. The distribution of both species shifted northward by April. The movement of harp seals northward continued into July, at which time no hooded seals were present