The more "selfies" the public sends in, the better researchers at the University of Gothenburg can map the seals' well-being.
Therefore, they have urged everyone who sees a seal to first take a photo and then send in the picture, writes Gothenburg Post.
With the help of the pictures, we find out how seal colonies move along the coast and how often they return to their favourite spots, says Daire Carroll, assistant researcher at the Department of Biology and Environmental Science to the newspaper.
The researchers urged the public to send in pictures already last summer. Last year's collection proved to be significant. According to Daire Carroll, the pictures contribute to knowledge about how the entire ecosystem is doing.
If the seals return to the same spots regularly, we know they are doing well and getting the food they need in the sea. If they are away for longer periods and are thin when they come back, it's a sign that the sea and ecosystem are not doing well.
For those who want to send in a picture to the University of Gothenburg, it's essential to include the seal's face and neck.
