Seals were harvested heavily in south-eastern Australia in the 1800’s, reducing thriving colonies of five seal species to a single species. Today, citizen scientists from every continent participate in the annual SealSpotter Challenge, using footage from drones flying over Seal Rocks to count the number of pups. This count enables scientists like Dr Rebecca McIntosh and Ross Holmberg to analyse seal population data faster and more accurately so that they can see how the population is fairing over time.

Australian fur seals play an important role in Australia’s marine ecosystems, particularly around Phillip Island. To better understand them, the Phillip Island Nature Parks are calling for your help.

The RSV is delighted to be partnering with the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments to deliver a new Inspiring Australia program, engaging our state’s communities in the excitement and opportunities of advances in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

The partnership will connect everyday Victorians with STEM by demonstrating how these skills improve our knowledge of the world around us, inform better decision making, business efficiency and solve some of our greatest everyday challenges.