February - March 18/98: Gulf of St Lawrence: Air temperature: -5-12 C. Water temperature: -2-5 C. For the first time in memory there is virtually no ice in the Gulf of St Lawrence, the little that there is can be found packed around Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick The Gulf is one of the two main pupping areas for Harp and Hood seals. Lack of ice and the small floes that do exist may have an impact on this years year class. we MAY see high mortality in the new born pups as they will have to hit the water earlier than they should - not enough blubber reserves to sustain them."--JERRY CONWAY< jerry.conway2maritimes.dfo.ca.