A seal monitoring program
06 February 2023
We are continuing our mission of serving the islands of Morbihan by staying actively engaged with environmental protection associations on Groix, Belle-Île-en-Mer, Houat and Hoëdic.
BreizhGo Océane's commitment to Bretagne Vivante
For several years, we have been partners with Bretagne Vivante, which works in particular to protect seabirds and wildlife in the Houat and Hoëdic archipelago. Together, we have already carried out many environmental actions: beach cleanups on Houat, summer awareness activities aboard the Melvan… In addition, last November, for Green Friday, we donated a percentage of our daily revenue to help fund a wildlife protection project in the archipelago.
A seal monitoring program
Thanks to Green Friday, €780 was donated to the association. This amount funded the first sea outing of a seal monitoring program on January 23. The program is co-organized by Bretagne Vivante and the French Office for Biodiversity (OFB) and aims to improve knowledge of the seals frequenting this area. During this first mission, a female seal was photographed. Regularly observed, she has been affectionately nicknamed “Houat” by the naturalists.
The goal is to collect data on these shy mammals and eventually establish a photo catalog to identify each individual by its distinctive features.
This will allow Bretagne Vivante and the OFB to track seal populations and their evolution throughout the year.
Bretagne Vivante’s advice when visiting Houat and Hoëdic:
“Seals must not be disturbed. If you spot a seal, stay at least 300 meters away. A pair of binoculars is the best way to observe them!”
Other partnerships in support of the Morbihan islands
In 2023, we will continue to support other associations committed to the islands we serve, whether they focus on economic development, like “Savoir-Faire des Îles du Ponant”, or environmental preservation.