Estonian Seal Research Advances with Drone Technology and Digital Databases

Estonian scientists are increasingly utilizing advanced technologies, including drones and digital databases, to study the nation’s seal populations with unprecedented detail. These tools are enabling researchers to track movement, identify individual animals, assess health, and monitor population trends in the Baltic Sea.

Tracking and Identifying Seals

Researchers are now able to identify seals individually through photographs, a process likened to granting citizenship to the animals. This is facilitated by internationally accessible databases, allowing for cross-border identification of seals observed in different areas of the Baltic Sea, such as Denmark and Saaremaa. Computers can compare thousands of images in a matter of hours, streamlining the identification process. News ERR

Drone Technology for Health Monitoring

On Saaremaa Island, drones equipped with specialized equipment are being used to determine the weight of seals, particularly pups. Weight is a crucial indicator of both the animal’s health and the health of its mother, as well as the availability of food resources.

Data Collection and Environmental Monitoring

In addition to weight, researchers are attaching devices to seals’ backs to track their movements and gather environmental data. These devices measure sea depth, salinity, and water temperature, providing valuable insights into the seals’ habitat and behavior.

Favorable Conditions and Population Increase

The recent cold winter has created extensive ice cover, providing ideal conditions for seals. This has potentially led to a population increase of as many as five thousand individuals. While this increase may concern fishermen, who sometimes experience damage to their nets from seals, researchers emphasize that seals are an integral and historical part of the Baltic Sea ecosystem.

Digisig Project: Preserving Seal Heritage

The Digisig Project is working to discover, locate, and document surviving seal-related cultural heritage, including catalogues, impressions, and matrices. This project highlights the importance of seals as part of cultural history, alongside their ecological role.

Estonian Scientists Involved in Seal Research

Estonian scientists, including experts in biology, ecology, and marine science, are contributing to this growing body of knowledge. The List of Estonian Scientists includes researchers specializing in related fields, demonstrating the country’s commitment to scientific investigation.

Estonian Research Information System

Information about Estonian researchers, institutions, projects, and publications, including those related to seal research, is collected and made available through the Estonian Research Information System (ETIS).