The aim of this project is to develop novel, high-quality and cost-effective observation methodology to assess population sizes of hooded, harp, grey and harbour seals.

NR’s work will be focused on solving the following sub-objectives:

• Develop methodology for automatic discrimination between images with and without seals
• Develop methodology for automatic detection of harp, hooded, grey and harbour seals from aerial photos
• Develop methodology for automatic classification of harp and hooded seals.
• Evaluate the potential of thermal infrared cameras for detection and classification of seals