Harbour seal distribution
Short description
This map shows the distribution and abundance of harbour seals across the Baltic Sea. The map was originally created for HELCOM Red list assessment of the Baltic Sea, using seal expert consultation. For the Baltic Sea Impact Index, the map was modified to represent four abundance classes, based on expert consultation. The map has been updated from the 1st version of HOLASII, based on expert consultation (HELCOM Seal EG).
Point of contact
HELCOM Secretariat
data@helcom.fi
Spatial extent
['7.530495', '34.131647', '52.277123', '66.475422']
Type
dataset
Metadata information
Identifier
Keywords
Species distribution ; GEMET - INSPIRE themes, version 1.0 ;

marine ecology ; marine mammal ; GEMET ;

MADS ; HOLAS2 ; ecosystem component ;

Resource provider(s)
HELCOM Secretariat
data@helcom.fi

Lineage
Data source: Species Information sheet related to HELCOM Red list assessment available at http://www.helcom.fi/Red%20List%20Species%20Information%20Sheet/HELCOM%20Red%20List%20Phoca%20vitulina%20vitulina.pdf Data quality: The map is based on expert judgement and gives a rough estimate on the distribution of harbour seals in the Baltic Sea. Attribute information: Raster representing abundance class with following values 1 = Common occurrence and reproduction 0.75 = Regular occurrence, no regular reproduction 0.5 = Rare occurrence, no regular reproduction 0 = Very rare or no occurrence The classes are defined as Common occurrence and reproduction - The area covers the core moulting areas, which mostly are important breeding areas for the species as well. Regular occurrence, no regular reproduction - Outside of the breeding and moulting seasons the species uses the area regularly for foraging and traveling, but no regular breeding occurs. Rare occurrence, no regular reproduction - The species does not regularly use the area for foraging or traveling and no breeding occurs, but has on rare occasions been observed in the area. Very rare or no occurrence - The breeding and moulting areas of the species are relatively far compared to the travelling behavior of the species, making random observations or any other sign of occurrence in this area very rare or non-existent. Spatial resolution: Baltic Sea sub-basins. Time period and temporal resolution: Original map produced in 2013. Revised for HOLASII in 2016-2017. Revised for the HOLASII update in 2017-2018.