The Mammal Society’s Seals Research Working Group recently conducted a questionnaire to better understand how seal monitoring is currently carried out across the UK. The survey gathered insights from researchers, conservation organisations, citizen science coordinators and volunteers to explore existing survey approaches, training needs, and opportunities to improve collaboration.
In this webinar, we will share the key findings from the questionnaire and discuss what they reveal about the current landscape of seal monitoring. We will outline emerging priorities for the Seals Research Working Group, including opportunities to strengthen monitoring approaches, improve training and data consistency, and support coordinated efforts to better understand and conserve UK seal populations.
The session will be of interest to anyone involved in seal monitoring or marine mammal conservation, including volunteers, practitioners, researchers and organisations working with coastal wildlife.
This webinar is endorsed as a UN Ocean Decade Action, contributing to the goals of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030). The work of the Seals Research Working Group reflects a collaborative effort across multiple organisations and stakeholders, supporting improved coordination, capacity development, knowledge sharing and conservation outcomes for UK seal populations.
Who is involved in the Seals Research Working Group?
- Mammal Society
- UN Ocean Decade
- Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU)
- Natural England
- Seal Research Trust
- Zoological Society of London
- University of the Highlands and Islands
- Manchester Metropolitan University