Effects of Land-Based Tourism on Haul Out Behavior for Harbor Seals (Phoca Vitulina)

Overview

Recent changes in climate have led to ecological changes in many species, on both the local and global levels. One species of effect in the Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area is the harbor seal (Phoca vitulina). In the winter, these seals haul out on beaches and rocks during low tide to digest and thermoregulate. Historically, this population of seals hauls out at locations all along Sandy Hook; but recently, according to local scientists and the community, the seals have populated at a jetty off of Fort Hancock. It is presumed that the seals prefer this haul-out location because of its protection from direct human disturbance and land predators, which is common on many beaches used to haul out. Even on this jetty, with some level of protection from said threats, land-based tourism may still pose a risk to the efficacy of hauling out. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different anthropogenic and environmental variables on the seals at this site to better monitor the population. To do this, we conducted a series of seal monitoring surveys, starting in December 2022. We used our survey data, data collected by Save Coastal Wildlife, and photographs of seals from multiple other sources to conduct an overarching population analysis. To do this, we conducted a regression analysis to determine which factors best predict the number of seals hauled out at this location. The best regression model included the variables moon phase, wind speed, wind direction, and air temperature (p<0.001, r=0.565). Through testing this model, we found it was accurate in predicting 0.602 of the seal population with p<0.05. In addition to the regression model, we found a positive correlation between the number of seals hauled out and the amount of disturbance, which was to our surprise. This finding is likely due to the idea that good weather, which positively influences seals to haul out, has a stronger effect than the negative impact of disturbance on seal haul-out numbers. Furthermore, using our photographs and the basis of prior existing software, we developed a Python-based facial recognition program to identify and track individual seals. With a deeper understanding of factors that affect haul-out behaviors, as well as the evolving ability to track individuals with our program, we can better monitor this population in collaboration with the National Park Service and local policymakers.

Competition history

• AJAS 2025 Category not listed

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