Pacific walrus foraging and haulout behavior 2008. Version 1.0

Pacific walrus (n = 10) were instrumented with satellite-linked data logging behavior monitors to collect foraging, haulout and movement data in the Saint Lawrence Island polynia. Towards this end, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) developed custom satellite-linked data loggers capable of (1) characterizing hourly walrus foraging and haulout status and (2) tracking movements for 6 to 8 weeks. To locate walrus herds suitably situated for instrumentation, the USGS walrus team placed observers on reconnaissance flights. The USGS team instrumented 10 (4 females, 5 males and 1 unknown sex) walruses within the polynia.