Search Results - ScienceBase - ScienceBase-Catalog

The Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) feeds on benthic invertebrates on the continental shelf of the Chukchi and Bering seas and rests on sea ice between foraging trips. With climate warming, ice-free periods in the Chukchi Sea have increased and are projected to increase in frequency and duration. We radio-tracked walruses to estimate areas of walrus foraging and occupancy in the Chukchi Sea during June–November of 2008–2011, years when sea ice was sparse over the continental shelf. The earlier and more extensive sea ice retreat in June–September and delayed freeze-up of sea ice in October and November, allowed walruses to arrive earlier, occupy slightly more northern areas, and stay later in the...