Dear Marmamers, We are pleased to announce the recent publication of our article: David E. Harris & Sat Gupta. 2006. GIS-based Analysis of Ice-breeding Seal Strandings in the Gulf of Maine. Northeastern Naturalist 13(3):403-420. Abstract: Phoca groenlandica (harp seals) and Cystophora cristata (hooded seals), two species of ice-breeding seals, are being sighted more frequently onshore in the Gulf of Maine since 1990, but little is known about their behavior in this ecosystem. We obtained records of 904 ice-breeding seal stranding locations in the Gulf of Maine between 1996 and 2002 from NOAA Fisheries and used a geographic information system (GIS) to conduct group-wise comparisons by species (using non-parametric techniques), and to determine the predictors of high seal-stranding density (using ordinal logistic regression analysis). Compared to harp seals, hooded seals stranded closer to deep water, farther north, and near different intertidal shoreline types. Predictors of high seal-stranding density included being closer to an offshore basin, deep water, public land, and areas of lower human population. These results may reflect seal behavior and reporting bias. Reprints are available on request by email to deharris@usm.maine.edu. Please specify if you want a hard copy (a limited number are available) or a PDF file. _____________________________________________________ David E. Harris, Ph.D. Lewiston-Auburn College University of Southern Maine 51 Westminster Street Lewiston, Maine 04240 deharris@usm.maine.edu