173 



The results of the first two surveys were adjusted to provide an estimate of 

 density on a per square mile basis, which led to an estimated population of 

 60,000 to 100,000 walrus in the north Pacific. 



Management of the walrus is administered by the State of Alaska. Except 

 in Bristol Bay, which lies to the northward of the Alaskan Peninsula, where 

 no hunting is permitted, there is no closed season on walrus. A resident is allowed 

 one bull, except where he is dependent upon this species for food. In this instance, 

 there is no limit upon the number of bulls he may take ; and he may also take 

 up to five adult cows or subadults (either sex) as well as orphaned calves to 

 satisfy this need (Alaska Hunting and Guiding Regulations, 1970-71). 



The hunting bag is taken largely by the resident native population. The ice 

 floes used by the walrus for hauling out provide most of the hunting sites. 

 Insular coasts, used by the walrus for hauling out, provide additional hunting 



areas. 



Hunting by the native population has been considered wasteful, for so many 

 of the animals shot are lost. This happens when shot animals are able to drop 

 into the water. A real effort is made to retrieve these, but if an animal is still 

 very much alive, it is dangerous. The hunters than must exercise considerable 

 caution lest the wounded animal destroy their boat. 



Several years ago, a Bureau biologist reported on a study he made of walrus 

 hunting at Little Diomede Island in the Bering Strait (Kenyon, 1960. Oryx, 

 5(6) 337) . He reported the hunting result thus : 



Walrus killed 245 



Walrus taken (48 percent) 117 



Walrus lost (52 percent) 128 



More recently, a biologist of the Alaska Fish and Game Department reported 

 (Bums, 1965. The Walrus in Alaska) : 



It is plain from the harvest-kill statistics of these two reports that approxi- 

 mately half of the walrus bagged are lost. Recently it was reported in the 

 Alaska Daily News that some 260 walrus had been washed up on the beaches 

 in the Kotzebue area. Concern was expressed about the stench from these rather 

 than about the dead and wasted animals. 



Lost animals have been accepted as a characteristic feature of walrus hunt- 

 ing. Persons who are hmnane and thrifty in their attitudes find this waste 

 objectionable. In the interest of conservation it would be most desirable to 

 seek to avoid tliis loss. Educational endeavor among the native peoples with 

 conservative and efiicient hunting practices as a central concern has been one 

 approach suggested. 



Despite the improvidence of traditional practices, it is believed that the walrus 

 is increasing in numbers. According to the Alaska Fish and Game Department, 

 the Pacific walrus population with a reproductive rate of 14 percent and a 

 mortality rate of 13 percent, is slowly increasing. This, however, is not to be 

 taken as justification for wasteful hunting practices, or for relaxing present 

 protection of cows and calves (Burns, 1965, as above) . 



Research on Marine Mammals Now Being Conducted bt Bureau of Sport 



Fisheries and Wildlife 



bea otter 



Bureau personnel at the Marine Mammal Biological Laboratory in Seattle 

 are carrying on the following studies of sea otters : 



Reproduction and growth 



An adult male sea otter has been held in captivity at the Point Defiance (Wash- 

 ington) Aquarium since November 1965 and has been the subject of study by 

 a Bureau biologist. On 31 July 1969, four more otters were brought from Amch- 



