Thousands of seals counted thanks to AI and drones

Thousands more seals, along a stretch of shoreline, were discovered in a new scientific study combining drone cameras and Artificial Intelligence

A new scientific study using the latest technology has counted 2,300 more seals on a stretch of beach - and could go on to help conservation efforts.

Volunteers on the ground counted 6,200 seals along a 8km (4.9-mile) run of shoreline around Winterton-on-Sea in Norfolk.

But more than 8,500 seals were counted by drone cameras and the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

"This difference is likely due to the drone's aerial perspective," said Gabriella Fasoli, a scientist at Natural England, which is running a pilot project.

"[It] provides a unique viewpoint from above, allowing for a more accurate count by detecting seals that may be hidden or less visible from the ground."

AI was used to analyse drone images and automatically detect the seals, while also distinguishing between adults and their white pups even in close groups

Seal populations have previously been monitored through observations made on the ground and aerial surveys.

Natural England, which advises the government on the natural environment, said this had sometimes caused problems in collecting accurate data.

It had proved particularly challenging in hard to reach areas.

In December, a specialist team sent up a drone with high-resolution cameras to capture images from 110m (360ft) above, as part of the two-year pilot.

However, while the new methods - which minimise disturbance to the animals - will enhance the accuracy of assessing the UK seal population's size, Natural England say volunteers will still remain crucial in recording numbers.

The drone camera was launched from Winterton-on-Sea in December

Emma Milner, the agency's senior marine mammal specialist, said the project had shown there was now a "cost and time efficient alternative" to monitoring seal populations.

"This cutting-edge technology will help contribute to a comprehensive national picture of seal populations, allowing us to better understand population changes over time," she said.

She added it would also let it "assess the impact of human activity on these crucial habitats, enabling better conservation efforts".

The UK hosts 35% of the global population of grey seals and is an important breeding ground, according to Natural England.

Special permission was given to fly the drones, with best practice also followed to not disturb the animals.

People are not allowed to fly drones over the seals without the appropriate permissions, Natural England warned.