Researchers need your help to protect our Australian fur seals

The annual SealSpotter challenge starts on Wednesday June 8. The three-week challenge calls upon everyday citizens to help protect our population of Australian fur seals.

Using drone technology, marine scientists have captured thousands of photographs of seal colonies at Seal Rocks off Phillip Island, and The Skerries near Mallacoota.

Now researchers from Phillip Island Nature Parks need your help to identify new pups and entangled seals through an online portal.

This allows Nature Parks scientists to analyse seal population and marine debris entanglement data faster and more accurately, leading to a greater understanding of their world and the threats they face.

This contribution to seal research is vital for ecosystem monitoring, and for the ongoing protection of this species.

Australian fur seals play an important role in Australia's marine ecosystems, particularly around Phillip Island, with two colonies being home to about 30,000 seals.

For more information about SealSpotter, visit: natureparksresearch.com.au/sealSpotter/