SMRU Seal Flipper Feasibility Study

Overview

Project Aims The aim of this commission is to undertake a strategic feasibility study assessing the suitability of existing seal telemetry and electronic flipper-tag technologies for supporting future seal monitoring, assessment, and reporting requirements within the UK. The study will review current evidence, technologies, deployment approaches and animal welfare considerations, identify evidence gaps and technical limitations, and evaluate opportunities for future telemetry development. The commission will provide an evidence-based roadmap to support future investment decisions relating to seal telemetry research and technology development. 3. Project Background The Special Committee on Seals (SCOS) has identified robust estimation of UK seal population size and demographic processes as a high research priority. Current monitoring and assessment approaches rely on telemetry-based estimates of haul-out behaviour to support population estimation, particularly for harbour seals. However, existing telemetry evidence remains limited, and uncertainties persist regarding variation in haul-out behaviour, movement ecology, survival, connectivity and demographic parameters. At the same time, significant technological developments have occurred in wildlife telemetry and biologging systems. Current technologies vary in deployment duration, data return, cost, attachment methodology and animal welfare implications. Opportunities may exist to develop smaller, lighter and longer-lasting devices capable of collecting higher-quality data while reducing impacts on study animals. There is also increasing interest in deployment approaches suitable for age classes that are currently difficult to study, including grey seal pups. This study will support strategic planning across SCOS, JNCC, Defra, NatureScot, Natural England, Natural Resources Wales and DAERA by assessing the current state of knowledge and identifying future telemetry development priorities. The outputs will contribute to future monitoring requirements supporting SCOS advice, UK Marine Strategy (UKMS) assessment and OSPAR reporting obligations. 4. Project Objectives To meet the overall aims of this project (Section 2), the objectives are: • Review existing evidence from previous seal telemetry and electronic flipper-tag deployments. • Assess the implications of telemetry-derived information for seal population estimation, monitoring and survey design. • Review currently available telemetry technologies, deployment methods and associated animal welfare considerations. • Evaluate opportunities for future telemetry development, including smaller, lighter and longer-lasting devices. • Assess feasibility of telemetry deployment across currently underrepresented demographic groups, including grey seal pups. • Undertake expert engagement with researchers, practitioners and technology developers. • Identify evidence gaps, technical risks, development requirements and indicative costs. • Produce a prioritised roadmap for future telemetry research and technology development. 5. Project Objectives: Detailed Tasks The successful contractor will undertake the following tasks: Task 1. Evidence Review Undertake a review of existing evidence relating to seal telemetry and electronic flipper-tag deployments, including published and grey literature where appropriate. Assess the contribution of telemetry-derived information to seal population estimation, haul-out correction factors, movement ecology, and demographic analyses. Task 2. Technology Review Review currently available seal telemetry and biologging technologies, including attachment methods, transmission systems, battery technologies, data products and deployment longevity. Assess relative advantages, limitations, costs and operational considerations. Task 3. Animal Welfare Assessment Review animal welfare considerations associated with existing telemetry deployment approaches, including attachment methods, tag retention, behavioura