If you've been following our
blog, you might remember a previous post introducing Angela, who is working on
thermal imaging technology to monitor seals in the Ythan Estuary.
Recently, she ran another trial
on the beach, continuing her efforts to optimize the deployment setup. During
this trial, we teamed up to assist her with the calibration process. Angela's
thermal imaging is effective at detecting seals when they're hauled out, but
due to the seals gathering closely together, distinguishing individual seals
becomes a challenge.
In the images above, the left one shows a smaller,
tightly packed group, while the right shows a larger, more dispersed group. (Thermal
image credit: Angela Amlin)
To help with this, my drone
images provided a count of individuals and a clearer view of the haulout's
density and shape. She hopes to use this data to help calibrate the heat images
in her camera. During Angela's visit, the seals were cooperative, forming two
distinct groups: a smaller group of 136 seals, which gathered closer to the
camera, and a larger group of 599 seals, which spread out further along the
shoreline.
Above photo shows the two seal groups from the drone perspective. The drone photos were taken under
licensed research usage as permitted by NatureScot.
This collaboration between drone and thermal imaging technologies is showing promising potential for enhancing seal monitoring techniques. With each trial, we're gaining valuable insights that could lead to a better understanding of the colony of grey seals at the Ythan. As we continue refining our approach, we’re optimistic that this work may contribute to improved technological advancements of monitoring for grey seal haul-outs.
Find out more about Angela's research on the dedicated
project page "Studying Seals with Static Sensors".
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