Research Document - 2004/104

Observations on interactions between seals and salmon in Newfoundland and Labrador Rivers

By Sjare, B., D. Reddin

Abstract

There are six species of seals present in Newfoundland and Labrador waters including harp, hooded, harbour, grey, ringed and bearded seals. All have been reported to opportunistically feed on salmon; however, only two incidences of salmon have been documented in the stomachs of harp seals and nothing for any other species (n=7,500 stomachs). Presently there is growing concern from resource users and the general public that seals may be a factor in the declining returns of salmon in many Newfoundland and Labrador rivers. To address this issue a questionnaire dealing with a wide range of seal/salmon concerns related to the commercial fishery in Labrador was conducted in 1997 (n=88 participants). In addition, a River Observation Program was conducted from 1999 - 2002 to identify which rivers have seal/salmon interactions and to document the frequency of occurrence and nature of the interactions. The occurrence of schooling bait fish (i.e. capelin, smelt or juvenile herring) in a river estuary during the smolt or adult salmon run appears to be an important factor in determining when and where seal/salmon interactions will occur (particularly in the case of harp seals). Whether the seal predator is a migratory or a more resident species also appears to influence the nature and frequency of occurrence of a predation incident. There is also evidence that recent warm winter temperatures have altered coastal ice coverage enough to allow seals access to river and estuarine habitats that were traditionally protected by ice during the early winter and spring. These findings provide direction for future research and emphasize the importance of having a good understanding of the ecological factors influencing the distribution, seasonal migration patterns and feeding behavior of the seal predator in question and its preferred prey.

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