Event NameUniversity of Canterbury| Weddell Seal Research Programme| 1972AbstractSeals in the vicinity of Ross Island| from the ice edge at Cape Royds to Scott Base were observed and tagged. Approximately 300 pups| 40 subadults nd 20 adults were tagged. From 12th November with the arrival of Clement and Crawley the programme eas aimed at re-sighting and observing teh behaviour of marked seals throughout the study area. Cencus flights were undertaken and this provided valuable information on seal numbers and distribution and on ice conditions. The small isolated colony on White Island was again visited and one pup tagged| this latter indicating the continued viablility of this interesting and unusual colony. Signtings of experimental reeze-branded seals indicate that this tiechnique for marking could prove useful. Further trials are needed. This years work brings to an end the extensive study of Weddell seals in McMurdo Sound| future work will be aimed at intensive study of only one or two seal colonies| eg. the breeding colony at Turks Head| with a view to gaining detailed information on events in a pupping colony from its formation to dissolution as the ice breaks out. Collection of material from seals killed for dog food at Scott Base has proved extremelt valuable and it is hoped that this may continue.PersonnelDr MC CrawleyIan ClementKen Mason (DSIR Field assisttant)Dave GreenwoodLocationsScott BaseWhite IslandGeolocation[1] Position[2] PositionSeason1972-1973
