Quick evaluation of two pinniped observation sites for behaviour studies and photo-identification, from a tourist point of view, in Skjálfandafljót near Húsavik, Iceland

• Main Authors: Milesi-Gaches, David, Lhériau, Alexandre
• Other Authors: Auteur indépendant
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: HAL CCSD 2022
• Subjects: ecology; harbour seals; phoca vitulina; Iceland; photo-identification; tourism; behaviour; écologie; phoques communs; tourisme; Islande; comportement; envir; geo; Phoques; Skjálfandafljót; Phoca vitulina
• Online Access: https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-03547502/file/Milesi-Gaches%20and%20Lh%C3%A9riau%20-%20HAL%20-%20Quick%20evaluation%20of%20two%20pinniped%20observation%20sites.pdf; https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-03547502

With the decline of the pinniped population in Iceland alongside increasing wildlife watching tourism, monitoring seal colonies is of critical concern. Close to the world-class whale watching spot of Húsavik, sandbanks in the river Skjálfandafljót serve as hauling area to a colony of Harbour seals (Phoca vitulina, Linnaeus, 1758). Located in both banks of the river, two observation sites were documented for behaviour studies and photo-identification (PID) suitability. Seal watching, as a touristic activity, was specifically considered. Indeed, pinnipeds were not observed with specific equipment designed for science but with equipment tourists and amateurs might use. This pilot observation was designed around a 2-days fieldwork, simulating the length of stay tourists might spend near Skjálfandafljót. Data processing revealed that both sites appear to be poorly suitable to accurate and comprehensive behavioural studies (e.g., unfavourable for nursing behaviour) or amateur/general public PID. Access through a private area or distance from the bank to pinnipeds being the more important limiting factors. However, specific equipment might allow a proper PID alongside alternative way to approach the colony. We recommend only conducting basic behavioural studies or population monitoring. Seal watching tourism might also be considered despite the necessity to keep this activity low, according to local specificities, or the potential threats to biodiversity tourism can lead to. Avec le déclin de la population de pinnipèdes en Islande et l'augmentation de l'observation de la faune à but touristique, la surveillance des colonies de phoques est une préoccupation essentielle. Près de Húsavik en Islande, célèbre lieu d'observation des baleines, les bancs de sable de la rivière Skjálfandafljót servent de zone de halage à une colonie de phoques communs (Phoca vitulina, Linnaeus, 1758). Situés sur les deux rives de la rivière, deux sites d'observation ont été documentés pour des études de comportement et leur potentiel pour ...