Other Pinniped Systems

I am also involved in collaborative research on several other pinniped species, including Steller’s sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus), grey seals (Halichoerus grypus), harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) and South American fur seals (Arctocephalus australis).  My genetic work on Steller’s sea lions, for example, has revealed a clear phylogenetic break within the range of this threatened 'flagship' species. This finding supports previous mitochondrial DNA studies revealing two discrete stocks, and has implications for conservation because the two stocks show opposite growth trajectories.