March 24, 2026 — During spring 2025, scientists conducted the most extensive aerial survey of ice-associated seals to date. The survey took place between April 4 and June 10, 2025, off the coasts of western and northern Alaska. The goal was to determine the abundance and regional distribution of four species in U.S. waters: bearded, ringed, spotted, and ribbon seals.
This survey used multispectral camera systems enabled with artificial intelligence (AI) to detect and document seals hauled out on the spring sea ice. We will use data from these sightings to estimate species abundance and distribution—critical information used to monitor and manage wildlife populations.
Spring is the Best Season for Surveys
Bearded, ringed, spotted, and ribbon seals are known collectively as ice seals because they use seasonal sea ice as a platform to rest and raise their young. They also haul out on the ice while they undergo an annual molt cycle. Molting is an energy-intensive process of shedding the top layer of skin to reveal a new fur coat. All ages of ice seals undergo this process each spring. This provides a short window when many seals are out of the water and available to be counted from the air.
The research is part of the Alaska Ice Seal Research Plan, which outlines key research priorities for these animals. The plan is developed each year in collaboration with the Alaska Native Ice Seal Committee’s Co-management Working Group. Seals are vital resources for northern coastal Alaska Native communities and are key species in Arctic marine ecosystems. Abundance estimates and distribution maps are crucial for sound decision-making about:
- Co-management of subsistence use of ice seals
- Conservation
- Permitting of activities in the Arctic that could affect these species or their habitat
Researchers included scientists from the NOAA’s Alaska Fisheries Science Center and the University of Washington’s Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean, and Ecosystem Studies
Read the full article at NOAA Fisheries