Vocalisations and behaviour of male harbour seals during the mating season

In this project, vocal communication and other interaction between male harbour seals during the mating season is investigated. Vocalisation of the males is recorded by using a hydrophone that is deployed on several harbour seal mating areas around Vatnsnes peninsula.

This is the first time that vocal communication of seals has been recorded in Iceland. The sounds will sub be analysed and compared to male harbour seal vocalisation previously recorded in other areas (for example in Denmark).

The research is conducted in collaboration with the University of Southern Denmark and the University of Iceland.