Comment from Christopher Crews

There is only limited, basic data for these seals, particularly with respect to population structure, size, movements, habitat use, etc. Because they are in a freshwater system which is most likely less productive than a saltwater system, the carrying capacity of this lake for harbor seals is likely much lower than what one would expect from a marine area at this latitude. Consequently there shouldn't be as many harbor seals in this lake as one would expect from a similar-sized area in the ocean. Please consider this perspective in your analysis. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- These are harbor seals, not ice seals. Consequently a warming climate may increase the productivity of Lake Iliamna over time, while shortening the duration and extent of ice cover for the lake. Since harbor seals are not an ice-dependent species one would intuitively conclude increased system productivity and open water access would result in conditions more condusive to harbor seal presence. Please consider this perspective in your analysis. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The small population size of this particular group of harbor seals may be the natural state for this group based on habitat availability. In other words the population size could be density dependent with habitat limitations being the driving factor in their small population size. Please analyze this information and show it in your 90-Day finding. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------