New publication: Using an acoustic deterrent system (ADS) with Targeted Acoustic Startle Technology (TAST) to mitigate seal-human conflicts in shared coastal environments. Dear MARMAM Community, On behalf of my co-authors and myself, I am very pleased to share our new publication in Scientific Reports, which provides the first empirical evidence on using this non-invasive tool to reduce seal-human interactions in a recreational setting. Heimberg, K.N., Gross, S., van Neer, A., Escobar-Calderon, J.F., Ruser, A., Schaffeld, T., & Siebert, U. (2025). Acoustic deterrence as a mitigation tool for seal-human conflicts in the Helgoland Dune swimming zone. Sci Rep 15, 32530. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-17236-2 Abstract: Successful species conservation and rising tourism in coastal ecosystems lead to more human-wildlife conflicts. Non-invasive conflict mitigation measures are needed to ensure human safety and wildlife conservation. The Helgoland Dune, a small German offshore island, is home to Germany’s largest grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) colony alongside popular tourist beaches, leading to frequent human-seal encounters. Previous physical incidents in the shared swimming zone have raised safety concerns. This study evaluated an acoustic deterrent system (ADS) using Targeted Acoustic Startle Technology (TAST) to reduce such interactions. During two field trials, the ADS emitted pulsed signals (2 s, 700–1500 Hz, 180 dB re 1 µPa) while a camera tracked seal movements. Analysing 22,086 positions via a cumulative link mixed model (CLMM) revealed seals were 3.57 times more likely (odds ratio, CI: 2.38–5.37, p-value < 0.001) to occupy the two farther distance categories (10–25 m, > 25 m) during signal emission, compared to the closest distance zone (< 10 m). Individual variability accounted for 94% (ICC) of behavioural differences. Results provide the first empirical evidence of the ADS’s effectiveness in a recreational context as a non-invasive deterrent tool, while maintaining seal access to surrounding habitat crucial to them. The open access publication is available here: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-17236-2 Please do get in touch if you have any questions (kim.nina.heimberg@tiho-hannover.de<mailto:kim.nina.heimberg@tiho-hannover.de>). Thank you very much, Kim On behalf of all the co-authors -- Kim Nina Heimberg, MSc Research associate & doctoral candidate Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW) University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation Werftstr. 6│25761 Buesum│Germany