Harbor seal population dynamics

We study the harbour seal population in Kattegat and Skagerack and the southern parts of the Baltic Sea.

The population has had a dramatic history of population increase and decline.

Historical development

The population has been targeted by:

*hunting

*mass mortality in epizootic disease

*density dependence

*recovery

Future risks and prospects

The population has an intrinsic growth rate of 12% and can tolerate some stressors. However, density dependence is starting to act. We documents the development.