Harbor and grey seal observations in Virginia

Original provider:
Michelle Guins

Dataset credits:
Michelle Guins, Deanna Rees, Zak Poulton, Alex Wilke

Purpose:
Objectives for this study are 1) to improve the understanding of local and
seasonal haul-out patterns, and the numbers of seals hauled out during
daylight hours; 2) to investigate any haul-out patterns in relation to
environmental factors; and 3) to investigate differences between vessel-based
surveys and time-lapse camera data collection. The data and results of these
efforts will further improve the assessment of potential impacts from the
Navy including training and testing activities, installation construction (e.g.
pile driving) and vessel-transiting activities as required under the Marine
Mammal Protection Act and National Environmental Policy Act for
Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF) and Commander, Navy
Installations Command in the region. These data may also provide important
baseline information for the assessment of potential future impacts from
climate change or other anthropogenic activities.