Harp Seal Distribution in Gulf of St. Lawrence and Atlantic Ocean

Fisheries and Oceans Canada provides a geospatial dataset on Harp seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus) distribution. It covers the species' range in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Atlantic Ocean, including its seasonal migration patterns between Arctic summering grounds and southern molting areas. The data is based on scientific advisory reports, including a 2020 status update.

Use Cases

• Model seasonal migration patterns using geospatial distribution data for the Harp seal.
• Analyze species range in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Atlantic Ocean relative to environmental factors.
• Support marine spatial planning by integrating Harp seal distribution data with other oceanographic datasets.

Strengths

• Data originates from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, a national scientific authority.
• Includes temporal context for seasonal migration and molting periods (April-May).
• Available in multiple geospatial formats (SHP, ESRI REST, CSV) for different analytical needs.

Limitations

• The dataset lacks explicit metadata on row count, column count, and sample size.
• Spatial coverage is limited to the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Atlantic Ocean, not the full Arctic range.
• Relies on scientific reports (e.g., 2020) which may not reflect the most recent population status.

Provenance

Source

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Collection Method

Scientific assessment and geospatial modeling, referenced in DFO Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat reports.

Time Range

Referenced report from 2020; temporal coverage of animal movements is seasonal/annual.

Freshness

Last updated on March 24, 2026.

Geography

Gulf of St. Lawrence and Atlantic Ocean, with reference to Arctic and southern migration range.