Observations of Gray Seals (Halichoerus grypus) in the Varzuga River Mouth (Tersky Coast of the White Sea)

The study presents the first results of autumn observations of gray seals Halichoerus grypus in the Varzuga River mouth, Tersky Coast of the White Sea, conducted in 2019, 2023, and 2024. In autumn, a small number of gray seals appeared to be mainly adult males enter the mouth to prey on Atlantic salmon Salmo salar. According to photo identification data, in October 2024, the individual composition of seals was relatively constant, and one of eight identified individuals (presumably a female) returned to the mouth in two consecutive years. Presumably, the observed seals belong to individuals that specialize in certain prey species (salmonids) and demonstrate a characteristic feeding behavior that can persist for a long time. Based on the study results, as well as on the earlier literature reports, there is reason to believe that gray seals are regularly occurred in the Varzuga River mouth in autumn, and the northern part of the White Sea basin, along with Voronka area and Gorlo Strait, is part of the range of the Northeast Atlantic gray seal population.