This study presents comprehensive mapping of the current distribution of pinnipeds and polar bears (Ursus maritimus) around Svalbard based on a regional marine mammal sightings programme and explores time-trends (2005–2018). Walruses (Odobenus rosmarus) were observed with high frequency and in high numbers around previously identified haul-out sites. At-sea walruses were seen close to the coast in shallow waters. Ringed seals (Pusa hispida) were observed in coastal areas throughout Svalbard, often in association with tidewater glacier fronts. There was no increase in the mean latitude for ringed seal observations, but there was an increased frequency of observations at around 82°N, which reflects their following a northward shift in the ice edge during summer foraging trips. Bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus) were observed frequently in north-western Spitsbergen and shared many habitat features with ringed seals. There was a slight increase in the mean latitude of bearded seal observations and a decreased frequency of observation in the southern parts of the archipelago, suggesting that this species might be shifting its distribution. Harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) observations within fjords have increased, likely as a consequence of increased inflow of Atlantic water into west coast fjords. Harp seals (Pagophilus groenlandicus) were observed with high frequency north of Svalbard. Hooded seals (Cystophora cristata) were observed only rarely. Polar bears were reported most frequently, undoubtedly as a result of an effort bias favouring this species. In spite of biases, citizen-based observations are useful for assessing broad distributional patterns of marine mammals through time.

这项研究基于区域海洋哺乳动物目击计划，提供了斯瓦尔巴特群岛周围的松树和北极熊（熊属）的当前分布的综合图，并探讨了时间趋势（2005-2018年）。在先前确定的拖运地点附近，海象（Odobenus rosmarus）出现频率很高且数量很多。在浅水区靠近海岸的地方看到了海象。环斑海豹（Pusa hispida在整个斯瓦尔巴特群岛的沿海地区，通常与潮水冰川前缘有关。环形海豹观测的平均纬度没有增加，但是在82°N附近观测的频率增加了，这反映了它们在夏季觅食旅行中沿冰缘向北移动。在斯匹次卑尔根西北部经常观察到有胡子的海豹（Erignathus barbatus），并且与环斑海豹共有许多栖息地特征。大胡子海豹观测的平均纬度略有增加，而在群岛南部的观测频率则有所下降，这表明该物种可能正在改变其分布。斑海豹（Phoca vitulina）峡湾内的观测值有所增加，这可能是由于大西洋水流入西海岸峡湾的情况增加了。在斯瓦尔巴特群岛北部以高频观察到竖琴海豹（Pagophilus groenlandicus）。很少观察到带帽的海豹（Cystophora cristata）。北极熊的报道最为频繁，这无疑是偏向该物种的努力成果的结果。尽管存在偏见，基于公民的观察对于评估随时间推移海洋哺乳动物的广泛分布模式很有用。