User:Myriamkains/Great Seal Count

The Great Seal Count is an event organised by the research department of the Icelandic Seal Centre in Hvammstangi.

The Icelandic Seal Centre first worked in collaboration with the Icelandic Fisheries Institute and later with its successor, the Icelandic Marine Research Institute. Together, these institutions have been responsible for various research projects about Icelandic seals. One of the main research areas being Vatnsnes and Heggstaðarnes in Húnaþing vestra, it is important to keep a close eye on the number and distribution of seals in these areas.

The reputation of the Great Seal Count has spread widely because in 2009, people from Brazil planned their trip around Iceland to join in. The 2021 count included volunteers from Germany, Finland, Israel, USA, England, Italy, France and a good group from WorldWideFriends.

Goal
One of the aims of the Icelandic Seal Centre is to raise awareness on seals and seal research. This is done through the permanent museum in Hvammanstangi and the publication of their research in collaboration with the University of Hafró and Hólar. The aim of the gret seal count is therefore to support the continuation of this research and to strengthen the content of the museum by acquiring data on the number of seals in the area. This also contributes to the development of sustainable wildlife tourism.

Implementation
A seal count has been held annually since 2007 at Vatnsnes and since 2009 at Heggstaðarnes in Húnaþing vestra. During this day, scientists, supported by volunteers, count seals that have washed up on the beaches of the two areas, which represent about 100 kilometres of coastline. In this way, the volunteers contribute to research work while enjoying the observation of seals in their natural habitat.

In order to cover the coastline from Hrútafjörður to the bottom of Sigríðastaðavatn, the volunteers are divided into areas ranging from 2 to 10 km in length. Each group is then asked to count the seals in their area and submit their results, binoculars are required.

Before embarking on the expedition, the volunteers receive an introduction and training from the scientists to properly study the seals.

Here you can find the programme programme of the 2022 seal count.

Outcomes
It should be noted that these counts are only an indication of the minimum number of seals living in these areas and may present biased results due to the different possible weather conditions. However, the results are still useful to scientists as they allow them to assess the state of the seal populations in these two areas and to make a comparison from year to year. Comparable numbers from one year to the next are obtained by assuming that counting conditions as similar as possible are taken each year. The count usually takes place on a Sunday at the end of July, when the sea level is as close as possible to low tide. The community festival Eldur (formerly Unglistahátið) also takes place at this time. The count begins and ends 2 hours before and after low tide respectively. Care should be taken to count at the same time in all areas to avoid duplication.

Results of previous counts (mostly harbour seals)

 * 1) At the end of August 2007, 727 seals were counted in Vatnsnes (55 km ).
 * 2) In 2008, 1,126 seals were counted in Vatnsnes and Heggstaðanestá (75 km).
 * 3) In 2009, 1,019 seals were counted in Vatnsnes and Heggstaðanes (100 km).
 * 4) In 2010, 1,054 seals were counted in Vatnsnes and Heggstaðanes (100 km).
 * 5) In 2011, 843 seals were counted in Vatnsnes and Heggstaðanes (100 km)
 * 6) In 2012, 422 seals were counted in Vatnsnes and Heggstaðanes (100 km).
 * 7) In 2013, 742 seals were counted in Vatnsnes and Heggstaðanes (100 km).
 * 8) In 2014, 707 seals were counted in Vatnsnes and Heggstaðanes (75 km).
 * 9) In 2015, 446 seals were counted in Vatnsnes and Heggstaðanes (100 km).
 * 10) In 2016, 580 seals were counted in Vatnsnes and Heggstaðanes (100 km).
 * 11) In 2021, 718 seals were counted in Vatnsnes and Heggstaðanes (107 km) by 58 volunteers