STATUS OF THE NORTHERN FUR-SEAL, CALLORHINUS-URSINUS, IN CANADA

This report reviews the general biology, status, and management of the Northern Fur Seal (Callorhinus ursinus), with special reference to it s status in Canadian waters. While Northern Fur Seals do not breed wit hin Canadian waters, they can be found in large numbers in the waters offshore of British Columbia year round, and occasional stragglers are found inshore. Generally found only in small groups during the pelagi c phase of their life, the largest numbers occur in British Columbia w aters from January through June. The eastern North Pacific population has declined significantly over the last 30 years, but the cause is un known.