Refer to rft.

Both species of seal which breed in Ireland, Harbour seal Phoca vitulina (or Common seal) and Grey seal Halichoerus grypus, are protected under Irish and European legislation (i.e., the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2012, the EC Habitats Directive, and associated Statutory Instruments). As part of Ireland's conservation obligations concerning seals there is a significant requirement for the monitoring of populations of each species. In August 2003, and again in August-September 2011-2012, extensive aerial surveys for Harbour seals were undertaken around the coast of Ireland during the species' annual moult period. Since seals are camouflaged and those lying on rocky or seaweed covered shores are difficult to detect, the nationwide surveys employed helicopter-mounted thermal imaging, video technology and stills photography to locate, identify and facilitate the collection and review of Harbour seal count data. An element of independent ground-truthing at selected sites was also included within the survey design in each case.

The 2003 and 2011-12 surveys delivered minimum population estimates for Harbour seal in Ireland, provided localised spatial information on population distribution and established an effective baseline from which continued population monitoring is proceeding. As part of its ongoing monitoring programme for the species, the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (DAHRRGA) now invites tenders for the provision of an aerial thermal imaging survey for Harbour seals in Ireland, to be undertaken in two parts between 2017 and 2018. (refer to rft).