U.S. and Russia to Start Bering Seal Survey

April 10, 2012

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Researchers in the United States and Russia are starting the largest ever survey of ice seals in the Bering Sea off Alaska's west coast.

The aerial survey will begin this week from Nome, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced.

The agency says scientists will use advanced imaging systems and modern statistical techniques for estimates of ribbon seals, spotted seals, bearded seals and ringed seals.

Five- to seven-hour survey flights also will be sent out from Bethel, Dillingham and St. Paul Island, the largest of the Pribilof Islands in the Bering Sea.

The agency says the survey will continue into May and will include nearly 19,000 nautical miles over U.S. waters and 11,000 nautical miles over Russian waters.

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