OLYMPIA – Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has finalized a drone use plan that authorizes staff to conduct pinniped research and management surveys in the state’s coastal and inland waters. Department staff and researchers will use drones to survey for seals and sea lions in the Department’s Southwest, Coastal, and North Puget Sound regions.

This fall, WDFW 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 habitat in coastal and marine waters, as well as in rivers and estuaries where seals and sea lions are found. 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.

All drone operations will comply with Federal Aviation Administration drone use regulations and with WDFW’s National Marine Fisheries Service research permit(s). Drone surveys are subject to necessary flight conditions and may be rescheduled or terminated if conditions change or are not conducive to fly. WDFW drone operators will consider potential impacts to user groups in the flight area, such as hunters, anglers, or recreationists, when planning flights.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.