A seal pup has been found stranded on the shore in Akureyri, highlighting important wildlife protection considerations for photographers visiting Iceland’s coastal areas.
This incident serves as a crucial reminder for landscape and wildlife photographers about maintaining safe distances from marine mammals. Stranded seals, especially pups, are vulnerable and easily stressed by human presence, which can impact their survival chances.
- Maintain at least 50 meters distance from seals and other marine mammals
- Use telephoto lenses instead of approaching for closer shots
- Never touch, feed, or attempt to help stranded marine animals
- Report stranded marine mammals to local authorities immediately
- Be aware that disturbing seals can result in fines under Icelandic wildlife protection laws
Source: Iceland Monitor