New VR Experience Aims To Protect Iceland’s Seals

Visitors to Iceland will soon be able to observe seals in their natural habitat without disturbing them — through virtual reality, reports RÚV. The Icelandic Seal Centre is developing a VR seal-watching experience to promote sustainability and protect the country’s endangered harbour seal population.

With seal numbers in decline, experts warn that human disturbance — particularly during resting periods — may pose an increasing threat. The initiative aims to provide an eco-friendly alternative to traditional seal watching, allowing visitors to experience the animals up close without disrupting their environment.

Seal hunting in Iceland was banned in 2019, but conservationists argue that further measures are needed to protect the species. The VR project offers a technological solution to balance tourism with wildlife preservation.