A distribution-wide dataset of Atlantic walrus terrestrial haul-out sites
- Hannah C. Cubaynes
- Cory J. D. Matthews
- Eva Garde
- Maria Gavrillo
- Mads Peter Heide-Jørgensen
- Jeff W. Higdon
- Kit M. Kovacs
- Margarita Leskova
- Christian Lydersen
- Boris Solovyev
- Alejandra Vergara-Pena
- Peter T. Fretwell
2026-04-09
The Atlantic walrus ( Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus ) is an Arctic endemic species that is under increasing threat due to declines in their sea ice habitats. Walruses rely directly ( e.g ., resting, giving birth) and indirectly ( e.g ., tight coupling between sympagic and benthic productivity) on sea ice, and are particularly sensitive to disturbance by increasing anthropogenic activities ( e.g ., shipping) that are taking place concomitant with sea ice declines throughout their Arctic range. Management and conservation of Atlantic walrus require monitoring of their distribution and assessments of regional and range-wide abundance trends. Atlantic walrus population assessments are typically based on counts of walruses hauled out at terrestrial sites during aerial or boat-based surveys, and increasingly, using satellite imagery. We compiled a comprehensive, distribution-wide dataset of all known Atlantic walrus terrestrial haul-out sites from relevant national datasets to promote accessibility and consistency of use among multiple users, including Indigenous groups, scientific researchers, and resource managers.