April 22-23.2023 the Paarlasti room in Suomenlinna was filled with diving enthusiasts and science professionals interested in citizen science for a seminar organised by the Finnish Divers' Federation and the Finnish Maritime Archaeological Society.
Ismo presented his work on Saimaa ringed seal conversation. Saimaa seals are an endangered species. The work includes nest counting as well as collecting placentas that are used for further studies on the population genetics. Additionally ill or deceased seals are documented. A large part of the monitoring takes place during the winter and involves ice diving. Ismo describes the difficulties in voluntary underwater monitoring and the role of scientific diving. Due to the complex conditions, he points out that monitoring of Saimaa seals requires advanced scientific diving skills, and it cannot easily be covered with citizen science diving.
16 окт 2024
