The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has finalized a drone use plan that authorizes staff to conduct pinniped (also known as seals) research and management surveys in the state’s coastal and inland waters.
Beginning this fall, department staff and researchers will use drones to survey for seals and sea lions in WDFW’s Southwest, Coastal, and North Puget Sound regions. WDFW said in a press release that it will fly drones in the Nisqually, Dosewallips, and Duckabush river estuaries to count harbor seals. These 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 habitats in coastal and marine waters, as well as in rivers and estuaries where seals and sea lions are found. WDFW noted that in instances where access may be restricted or additional regulations apply, WDFW will obtain appropriate permissions and/or permits before conducting operations. No flights will occur over private land without prior approval from the landowner.
Additionally, the department stressed that all drone operations will comply with Federal Aviation Administration drone use regulations and with WDFW’s National Marine Fisheries Service research permit(s). WDFW said drone operators will consider potential impacts on user groups in the flight area, such as hunters, anglers, or recreationists, when planning flights.
