The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has finalized a drone use plan that authorizes staff to conduct pinniped research and management surveys in the state’s coastal and inland waters, according to a news release.
Department staff and researchers will use drones to survey for seals and sea lions in the department’s southwest, coastal and North Puget Sound regions.
This fall, WDFW will fly drones in the Nisqually, Dosewallips and Duckabush river estuaries to count harbor seals. The drone flights will occur a few times per month and are scheduled to continue through October 2025.
“Counting these harbor seals will help WDFW estimate the consumption of salmon and steelhead by seals in these locations,” said Casey Clark, WDFW lead marine mammal researcher.
These and future pinniped drone flights will be conducted over known haul outs and pinniped habitat in coastal and marine waters, as well as in rivers and estuaries where seals and sea lions are found.
Where access may be restricted or additional regulations apply, WDFW will obtain appropriate permissions and permits before conducting operations. No flights will occur over private land without prior approval from the landowner.