Methodology
Seals were observed from the 20m high cliff site adjacent to the camp.
Number of all seals in view was noted at the beginning of each session. For a subset of seals (noted in the data sheet
how many this involves), the occurrence of clustering and social behavior was noted, and the time when it occurred
was also written down. The focus of this study was on behaviors like social interactions, fluke displays, breaching, eating fish,
diving and others. Each time numbers of seals changed during the sessions it was noted in the data sheet, too.
Data were collected in a field notebook, and then transfered after the fieldwork into Excel sheets,
and Metadata were added.
The behavior protocol was chosen so that it can fit with ongoing data analysis for a German M.Sc. thesis,
assessing the perception of individual animals. Secondly, these data could be useful as baseline
data for potential impacts along coastlines, e.g. oil spills or fisheries. Of interest could also be the occurrence of
Killer whales near these herds of seals, and how seals repsond to potential predators.
Lastly, these data could be valuable for more advanced behavior studies on seals and ecosystems.