The Project ROBBENBINGO! provides the opportunity to assist with researching and discovering more about the life of grey seals in the German North Sea.
Background
The grey seal population size and numbers of pups born in the German North Sea are increasing. Helgoland seems to be an important area for the seals of the German North Sea and is used for breeding as well as hauling out during moult or to rest.
How far along is the development of this colony so far and how will it develop in the future?
What are the seasonal dynamics?
Is there a core population?
How about site-fidelity in adult and young seals?
What about migration to and from other areas?
Only by monitoring grey seals continuously over the years, there is a chance of getting some of these questions answered.
Spot the difference
Photo-ID and the Personal Seal Sheet
The key to grey seal identification is the pattern of the fur as it is as unique as human fingerprints. Using photographs these fur patterns can be squared to find a match. This method is known as Photo-Identification or short photo-ID. The photographs build the basis of the Personal Seal Sheets from wich a seal can then be re-identified via Photo-ID. Each record contributes to tell a seal’s story.
Read more about Photo-ID here