DISTRIBUTION, ECOLOGY AND RESOURCE CONSERVATION OF THE SPOTTED SEAL IN THE HUANGHAI AND BOHAI SEAS

The Phoca largha is found in the coastal waters of China from the Huanghai Sea and Bohai Sea to the northern part of East China Sea.Its breeding ground is situated in ice packs in the Liaodong Gulf., from about 40°10' to 40°45' N, from 121°15' to 122°E.At the breeding season, male and female seals in pairs form many family groups.The pup is born with white lanugo fur on ice packs in Liaodong Gulf during a period from January to the middle of February, and usually carried by its mother on her back to run away.However, from February to March, it could be caught around some islands in Bohai Strait.In recent years, these species resources have been reduced rapidly.It must be strengthened to protect the seals from extinction.