Pacific walrus population research

Abstract

Introduction The Pacific walrus ( Odobenus rosmarus divergens ) occupies shallow continental shelf waters in the Bering and Chukchi Seas. In the winter, walruses breed in the Bering Sea. Adult females, juveniles, and some adult males follow the retreating sea ice north through the Bering Strait in the spring and summer to occupy the Chukchi Sea. Most adult males remain in the Bering Sea in summer (Fay, 1982). Walruses feed on small, bottom-dwelling invertebrates such as clams and marine worms (Sheffield and Grebmeier, 2009). They rest on sea ice or land between periods of foraging. Pacific walruses are a vital subsistence resource for Alaska Native coastal communities. These communities also harvest Pacific walrus to continue important cultural traditions, such as ivory carving. Knowledge about the Pacific walrus population trend and size helps ensure that harvest remains sustainable, supports co-management decisions, and helps identify potential risks to walruses as the Arctic continues to change.