School of Biology/SMRU: Helicopter for August Aerial Surveys of Seals in Scotland

Helicopter for August Aerial Surveys of Seals in Scotland SMRU have developed a technique for surveying seals inhabiting rocky coastlines using a thermal imaging camera in a helicopter.

The survey equipment that will be used on/in the aircraft is described below under ‘Survey methods & equipment’. Available survey periods are dictated by “low tide windows”, i.e. local low water occurring in the afternoon, during the harbour seals’ annual moult season in August.

Surveys are weather dependent; we cannot survey in moderate or heavy rain as seals are more likely to leave their haul-out sites in very wet conditions. Over the next three to five years, SMRU is planning to carry out seal surveys around the Scottish coastline, excluding most islands that are over 10km offshore.

All surveys will be carried out in August and could require up to a total of approximately 140 hours of engine time (including transit/positioning flights) spread over 30-40 flying days. Please see tender documents for full requirements. Additional information: All tenders for the University of St Andrews are administered through our eTendering System (InTend).To Express an Interest please go to our tender website at https://intendhost.co.uk/universityofstandrews Please note that 'Notes of Interest' placed via PCS (Public Contracts Scotland) are not automatically accepted