The Great Seal Count was performed on Sunday the 25th of July. This was the fourth year that seals are counted in this way in Vatnsnes and Heggstaðanes peninsulas. 

Over 30 people participated in this event, 25 of them volunteers from all over the world. Most of the volunteers traveled by foot, but other means of transport were also used such as horses and the seal watching boat Brimill. The number of seals counted were 1054, which is 35 more than last year. 

How do we perform the seal count? 

To get comparable data we try to count in similar circumstances each time. We always count at low tide in the end of July. We start 2 hours before low tide and finish 2 hours after low tide. All areas are counted at the same time to prevent that the same seal is counted in more than one area. 

Variables effecting the number of seals counted: 

• Weather: Seals are more likely to be onshore in good weather (low winds, sun and heat) than when it´s cold and windy. At the end of July it is more likely to get good weather, that is why we choose that time of year for The Great Seal Count.  
• Time of year: Seals seam to migrate seasonally between areas and we have more knowledge of there whereabouts over the summer time. 
• Tide: Research show that seals are most likely spotted during low tide, that is why we always count during low tide.  

It is very important to realize that these numbers do not necessarily reflect the total number of the local seal stock, because some seals are most likely under water while the count is being performed.