Seal Project
Solent Seal Tagging Project
Why are we doing the project
This project is aimed at improving our knowledge of the Solent harbour seal population by gathering data on their movements, feeding and breeding habits. It will help indicate population numbers and result in useful data that can be used to assess changes to the population over time, such as the declines that have been seen elsewhere in the country. The information will allow us to highlight important sites, such as where they rest, feed and breed, and work to get them recognised in management and conservation plans, which will help protect the seals.
What the project will involve
- Carry out seal counts to provide accurate information on population.
- Seek to identify each individual seal on the basis of their markings and develop a photo-identification database to aid long term monitoring.
- Deploy electronic tags on a sub-set of the population, providing information on movements and dives that would indicate haul - out, foraging and breeding behaviour.
- Survey the primary foraging grounds using video cameras and scuba divers to determine preferred feeding habitat and prey type.
- Raise public awareness through a code of conduct, a public reporting scheme and an education pack and schools visits.
Tagging background
Five harbour seals have been tagged using the latest technology from the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU). The tags utilse the mobile phone network to transmit GPS data and information regarding dive depth and duration. The tags will remain on the seals until they moult in July / August time.
Who is involved
The Solent Seal project is a partnership project, led by the Wildlife Trusts South East Marine Programme (based at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust) in partnership with Chichester Harbour Conservancy, Sea Mammal Research Unit, and Natural England. We will also be relying on other organisations and key volunteers to help us gather data on the seal populations. Funding for the project has been gained through Natural England Countdown 2010 Biodiversity Action Fund, Chichester Harbour Conservancy, Hampshire and isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Friends of Chichester Harbour, Sita Trust and Solent Forum
What to do if you see a seal
Seals are easily disturbed, if you are lucky enough to see one please follow this code of conduct.
You can report your sightings by clicking on the Mammal Recording form.
