Concentrations of Se and total Hg (THg) differed between mid-dorsal midline and neck
samples, and although the absolute differences were relatively small (Dabsolute Se = 0.69 lg g1, Dabsolute THg = 2.86 lg g1), the relative differences were large (Drelative Se = 49%, Drelative THg = 17%). These differences highlight the need to standardize the collection site for trace element determination in pinnipeds.