Characterizing Harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) in the Saint John Harbour (2018-2021)

The population abundance of harbour seals in Atlantic Canada is currently listed as unknown and little is known about their behaviour, food habitats, and distribution in the area. The goal of this project was to provide a baseline of harbour seal populations to fulfil the mandate of the Coastal Environmental Baseline Project (CEBP). The objective of this study was to identify the population number of harbour seals in the Saint John Harbour and to examine the seasonal trends and distribution in seal numbers in the area. Observations were made during the afternoon low tides where seals hauled out on the rocks were counted and recorded. It was found that the population of harbour seals has increased since the 1990s. The CEBP has provided an update to research completed 30 years ago, and continuing this work is essential for understanding changes in the ecosystem over time.