Cycle of transformation of the spotted seal (Phoca largha, Pallas, 1811) onshore associations in Peter the Great Bay of the Sea of Japan

Use of space by immature spotted seals (Phoca largha) in Peter the Great Bay (Sea of Japan) breeding area

“…They unite and concentrate on several haulout sites. We referred to these associations as molting ashore associations (Nesterenko & Katin, 2010).…”

“…Out of eight breeding concentrations (Shaughnessy & Fay, 1977) of this species one of the smallest (Boveng et al, 2009) is situated in Peter the Great Bay of the Sea of Japan. In contrast to most of the area where reproduction of the spotted seal takes place on ice, the territorial grouping of the species in the south part of the Sea of Japan is characterized by coastal reproduction (Nesterenko & Katin, 2010). The key factor favoring coastal reproduction of the spotted seal in the bay is the presence of the archipelago, which Использование пространства неполовозрелыми особями ларги (Phoca largha) в местах репродуктивной концентрации в заливе Петра Великого (Японское море)…”