SEALS

Seals in Svalbard – Which Species Live Here, Where to See Them and How They Survive

Seals – One of the Most Important Animals in the Arctic Ecosystem

Seals are among the most characteristic marine mammals of Svalbard. They can be seen in fjords, near glaciers, on sea ice and along the edge of the pack ice. They play a crucial role in the Arctic food chain. For polar bears in particular, seals are one of the most important sources of food.

That is why a seal resting on the ice often remains extremely alert. Any unusual sound or movement may signal danger. Several seal species occur regularly around Svalbard, especially ringed seals, bearded seals, harbour seals and harp seals. Hooded seals may also appear occasionally.

How Are Seals Adapted to Life in the Arctic?

Seals are extremely well adapted to cold Arctic waters. Their most important protection against heat loss is a thick layer of blubber beneath the skin. It provides both insulation and an important energy reserve.

Their streamlined bodies and flippers make them far more efficient in water than on land. Underwater, seals rely on:

excellent vision,
sensitive hearing,
vibrissae,
the ability to hold their breath for long periods,
highly efficient oxygen use,
specialised blood circulation.

Thanks to these adaptations, some species can dive to depths of several hundred metres.

Which Seal Species Live in Svalbard?

Ringed Seal – the Classic Ice Seal of Svalbard

The ringed seal (Pusa hispida) is one of the most characteristic Arctic seal species. It is relatively small, usually reaching approximately 110–160 cm in length and 50–100 kg in weight.

Its name comes from the pale ring-shaped markings visible on its darker coat. Ringed seals are closely associated with sea ice.

They are able to maintain breathing holes through thick ice using the strong claws on their front flippers. In Svalbard, they breed on stable fjord ice and in the pack ice of the Barents Sea.

Why Are Ringed Seals So Important to Polar Bears?

Ringed seals are one of the most important prey species for polar bears. Polar bears hunt them around breathing holes and may also search for pups hidden inside snow dens above the ice.

Female ringed seals give birth in snow lairs built above breathing holes. These shelters protect the pups from harsh weather, although they do not always protect them from predators. During our expeditions, we have repeatedly observed polar bears waiting patiently near breathing holes in the ice.

In the Arctic, the saying “where there are seals, there may be polar bears” has very practical meaning.

Bearded Seal – One of the Largest Seals in Svalbard

Another species we regularly encounter is the bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus). It is much larger than the ringed seal and is one of the largest true seals of the Arctic.

Bearded seals are easy to recognise because of their long, prominent whiskers. They prefer relatively shallow coastal waters because much of their food is found on the seafloor.

Their diet includes:

clams,
crustaceans,
other benthic invertebrates,
bottom-dwelling fish.

Bearded seals occur throughout the fjords of Svalbard and may be seen throughout the year, especially in areas with drifting ice.

Where Do Bearded Seals Rest?

Bearded seals are often seen resting on individual ice floes. Compared with some other Arctic seals, they may appear relatively calm while resting.

During summer they may occasionally come ashore, but sea ice remains their preferred resting platform whenever it is available.

Harbour Seals in Svalbard

The harbour seal (Phoca vitulina), also known as the common seal, is found in Svalbard but is not the most widespread seal species there. Svalbard represents the northern edge of the species’ range.

The local population is relatively small and concentrated mainly around Prins Karls Forland and the west coast of Spitsbergen. Adult males in Svalbard are generally around 1.5 metres long and approximately 100 kg, while females are slightly smaller.

Harbour seals are coastal animals and may rest on:

rocky shores,
beaches,
tidal areas,
sea ice during winter.

What Do Harbour Seals Eat?

Harbour seals are opportunistic predators and feed mainly on fish. Their diet varies depending on what is available locally.

In Svalbard, changes in sea temperature are also influencing the fish species they encounter, with more Atlantic species appearing in some areas.

When Are Seal Pups Born?

The breeding season depends on the species. Harbour seals in Svalbard usually give birth around June.

Their pups are born on tidal areas and are able to enter the water very soon after birth. The mother nurses the pup for only a few weeks, after which the young seal becomes increasingly independent.

Ringed seals, by contrast, give birth in snow lairs built above the sea ice.

Harp Seal – the Migrating Herd Seal

The harp seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus) is strongly associated with pack ice. It does not breed directly in Svalbard, but large groups may move through waters around the archipelago.

They are most often encountered around northern and eastern Spitsbergen, depending on sea ice conditions. Unlike more solitary Arctic seal species, harp seals are highly social and may travel in large groups.

Are Hooded Seals Found in Svalbard?

Yes. The hooded seal (Cystophora cristata) may occur around Svalbard during spring, summer and autumn, particularly in areas influenced by drifting pack ice.

However, it is not one of the species most frequently seen during ordinary expeditions around the archipelago.

Where Can You See Seals in Svalbard?

The best places depend on the species and current sea ice conditions. During our expeditions, we most often look for seals:

on sea ice and individual ice floes,
near the edge of the pack ice,
in front of glacier fronts,
in quiet fjords,
in shallow coastal waters.

During summer, ringed seals may concentrate close to tidewater glaciers, where feeding conditions can be particularly good. These are also areas where other Arctic wildlife may appear.

When Is the Best Time to See Seals in Svalbard?

Seals occur around Svalbard throughout the year. For yacht expeditions, May and June can be especially interesting because many fjords still contain significant amounts of sea ice.

At this time, seals may be seen resting on: ice fields, individual floes and areas close to glacier fronts.

Later in summer, as sea ice retreats from western fjords, sightings may shift farther north or toward glacier fronts. This does not necessarily mean there are fewer seals. Their distribution simply changes with the ice.

Why Do Seals Rest on Ice?

Sea ice plays several important roles for seals. It provides:

a place to rest,
breeding habitat,
a platform for nursing pups,
a place for moulting,
fast access to the water.

For species such as the ringed seal, sea ice is essential for a large part of their life cycle.

Seals and Glaciers

Some of the best places to observe seals are areas directly in front of glaciers. These waters can be rich in fish and other prey, while floating ice provides convenient resting places.

During summer, ringed seals may gather near tidewater glacier fronts where feeding conditions are productive. For us, these areas are particularly interesting because the presence of seals can also attract larger predators.

Seals and Polar Bears

Seals are a key part of the polar bear diet. Ringed seals are especially important, although polar bears may also hunt other species.

A polar bear may:

wait next to breathing holes,
break into snow dens,
approach seals resting on ice,
use ice edges as cover.

This is why, when we find larger concentrations of seals, we also observe the surrounding area very carefully. On many of our expeditions, seals have been the first sign that it is worth watching the area for polar bears.

Seals on Men of Sea Expeditions

We regularly encounter seals during our Svalbard expeditions. Some of the most memorable observations take place in spring and early summer, when the yacht enters a fjord still filled with broken sea ice and seals are resting on individual floes.

Sometimes we see a single animal. At other times, many seals may be spread across the ice.

We always observe them from a distance and try not to influence their behaviour. If a seal raises its head and begins watching the yacht nervously, that is already a clear sign that it has noticed our presence.

The best wildlife encounter is one where the animal can continue behaving exactly as it did before we arrived.

Is Seal Hunting Allowed in Svalbard?

The rules depend on the species. Not all seals have the same protection status. For example, the local harbour seal population in Svalbard is fully protected from hunting.

Other Arctic seal populations may be managed under different rules and quotas. For this reason, it is not accurate to say that either all seals in Svalbard can be hunted or that all of them are fully protected.

Why Are Seals So Important to Svalbard?

Seals are one of the foundations of the Arctic marine ecosystem. They connect fish and benthic life with the largest predators of the Arctic.

They are prey for polar bears and orcas, while they themselves hunt fish and invertebrates. Without seals, the Arctic food web would look completely different.

For us, seals are not simply another animal to tick off a wildlife list. They are one of the clearest signs that we are observing a healthy, functioning Arctic ecosystem.

FAQ – Seals in Svalbard

What seal species live in Svalbard?

The most important species include ringed seals, bearded seals, harbour seals and harp seals. Hooded seals may also appear occasionally.

What is the most common seal in Svalbard?

The ringed seal is one of the most typical and widespread seal species associated with Svalbard sea ice.

Where is the best place to see seals in Svalbard?

Good places include sea ice areas, glacier fronts, quiet fjords and shallow coastal waters.

When is the best time to see seals in Svalbard?

Seals can be seen throughout the year, but May and June are especially interesting for yacht expeditions because more sea ice is often still present in the fjords.