Methodology:

The coastal area of Signy Island was divided into six standard zones which were each divided into a number of regions. The zone boundaries remained unaltered between survey years. Within each zone, all seals present were counted.

Direct line-of-sight ground counts, using binoculars, took place led by experienced observers using a consistent methodology. Pairs of observers used tally counters to record each individual adult seal sighted on land and on sea ice adjacent to the coast of each zone, the whole census being completed over a single day prior to 1995 and over two or three days (in February) from 1997 to 2024. In some earlier surveys the month has not been recorded.

The data presented here comprises the individual area counts for each survey year.

Data collection:

Binoculars

Hand-held tally counter

Data quality:

Annual surveys followed consistent methodology led by experienced biologists. All personnel were familiar with identifying the three species of seal and care was always taken to examine all areas on the surveys, in order to ensure no seals were missed. Surveys took place in dry and calm weather conditions as high levels of precipitation and strong winds are known to drive large numbers of Antarctic fur seals into the sea for the duration of a storm at Signy Island. Years with no data indicate personnel had not arrived on Signy in time to carry out this activity. For additional information see Waluda et al 2010.