ECOPredS is launching a questionnaire to anyone that has observed killer whales hunting seals (whether grey or harbour seals) around the UK, especially in Scotland. This can give us vital information about how big the hunting groups are, how long orcas spend in the vicinity of seal haulout sites vs. how many seals are targeted or killed. We are still finalizing the forms, but if you would like to give us feedback on the kind of data that would be relevant, please get in touch.
The form aims to collect additional data while being consistent with those designed by Sea Watch and HWDT. Any sightings that are submitted to us, we will forward to Sea Watch and HWDT.
With your permission, we will also share any good quality photographs with our collaborators working on killer whale photo-identification.
ECOPredS project 