Icelandic Seal Center
Two volunteers have been assisting Sandra Granquist head of our biology department this summer. One a fully licensed veterinarian from Germany, the other a veterinarian student from France. They have mainly been doing work at our laboratory, preparing samples etc. Being able to get volunteers to assist at the Seal Center is very important for the operation of the Center and we thank them for their help this summer.
Valerie Scoll veterinarian student from France working
at the Seal Center lab.
For the past few weeks the Seal Center has been the project manager of making a birding trail in the North west on behalf of Ferðamálasamtaök Norðurlands vestra. Ellen Magnúsdóttir biologist was hired to monitor possible sites and her job is now coming to an end. Following her research of the sites a map will be made with information on species at each location as well as a webpage for the project.
Ellen Magnúsdóttir
Project sponsor:
On July 27th seals at the coastline of Heggstaðanes and Vatnsnes, total of 100 km, were counted by the Seal Center’s specialists and volunteers. This is the eight time that the counting takes place.
This year total of 706 seals were counted (mostly harbouseals). That number is slightly smaller than in 2013, when the result was 757 animals. In 2012 the number was 614. It is important to keep in mind that these numbers are only a clue to the minimum amount of seals in the area. Alot of factors affect the number of seals that can be spotted, weather beining one of them.
It is also important to keep in mind that the numbers do not indicate the total population of the Harbour Seal. Later this summer a population evaluation will be done by the Seal Center. The last population evaluation in Iceland was done by the Seal Center in 2011 and the results indicate that the population has been the same since 2003 at a total of just under 12 thousand animals.
We want to take the oppotunity to thank all the volunteers that have helped during the Great Seal count throughout the years. We also thank the sponsors of the Great Seal Count. This year our sponsors were: Kaupfélag Vestur Húnvetninga, Hótel Hvammstangi, BBH útgerð, Söluskálinn Harpa, Húnaprent og Brauð og kökugerðin Hvammstanga.
Sandra Granquist (dýraatferlisfræðingur), verkefnisstjóri.
Seal Center stadd and volunteers prepare the Great Seal Count befor heading out to the field.
During the Great Seal Count the coastline of Vatnsnes and Heggstaðarnes in Húnaþing vestra is divided between staff of the Seal center and volunteers and together the group counts seals in the area. The coastline is divided into smaller areas (2-7km), so everyone can find a suitable distance. Afterwards you get a coffee and a cake at the Seal Center.
It is a great experience! Please register by e-mailing us: info@selasetur.is or dial +354-451-2345.
The Great Seal Count is not suitable for children younger than 5 and kids between 5 and 15 years may only take part in the company of adults.
We got a pleasant visit from the students at Ásgarður kindergarten today. The kids stopped by on their walk in town and by the harbour. We are always happy to get visits from kids.
Come back soon kids 🙂
