Protecting and preserving the natural environment - The first flights to count seals in the Wadden Sea are starting now.
To accurately measure the number of seals in the Wadden Sea, pilots, hunters, and researchers are preparing to launch the first aerial surveys this year using small aircraft. Simultaneously, two planes with trained observers will take off from the Lower Saxony coast in East Frisian Norddeich and Mariensiel at Wilhelmshaven.
The announcement was made by the Consumer Protection and Food Safety Authority in Oldenburg. By counting the seals, scientists and researchers can monitor their population growth and make crucial decisions based on the data collected.
The Wadden Sea is home to many bioindicators, including seals, making these surveys essential for understanding the health and condition of the unique ecosystem. Low tide provides a perfect opportunity for counting as the seals gather on sandbanks for resting or sunbathing.
This initiative is part of an international agreement for seal protection between Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands. Simultaneous surveys are also scheduled to take place in other participating countries.
Lower Saxony's seal population has remained stable at a high level, with 8,912 seals counted in the region between the Ems and the Elbe in 2023. The entire Wadden Sea had 22,621 seals in the previous summer, as reported by the trilateral Wadden Sea Secretariat. However, the number of seals reported in the past three years has been decreasing slightly.
To create a more effective survey system, hunters in Lower Saxony are now volunteering to assist scientists from the authority. In contrast to previous years, when three aircraft were used, the coastline has been divided into two countable sections. There will be a total of seven flights scheduled until mid-August.
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- Despite the challenges posed by the North Sea, the Wadden Sea in Schleswig-Holstein continues to attract researchers and hunters alike, eager to participate in the annual seal count.
- The air surveys in Hamburg and Oldenburg are crucial for nature conservation efforts, as they provide vital data about the seal population and their habitat in the Wadden Sea.
- This year, hunters from Lower Saxony are joining forces with scientists, utilizing their knowledge of the region to improve the effectiveness of the aerial surveys.
- The cooperation between hunters and researchers is a testament to Germany's commitment to balanced environmental management, ensuring the well-being of both animals and human communities.
- As the small airplane breaks the setting sun, the trained observer scans the sandbanks of the Wadden Sea, eager to spot the distinctive shape of a seal during the low tide.
- The results of these surveys will contribute to scientific research, helping us better understand the impact of climate change and human activities on the Wadden Sea's delicate ecosystem.
- Meanwhile, the coastal communities along the Wadden Sea continue to reinforce their defenses like the North dike, protecting against potential floods and ensuring the safety of both people and wildlife.
- In addition to seals, the Wadden Sea is home to various threatened animal species, making it a crucial site for environmental conservation in Germany and beyond.
- Advances in science and technology have allowed for more sophisticated methods of surveying and monitoring the Wadden Sea, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the region's changing environment.
- As the last light of day fades, the observer notes the approximate number of seals seen during the flight, carefully documenting this precious data that will contribute to future conservation efforts in the Wadden Sea.
