Antarctic seal numbers falling drastically due to melting sea ice, research shows
Antarctic seal populations are drastically declining as the sea ice melts around them, new research has shown.
Researchers from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) have been monitoring the seal population in the sub-Antarctic since the 1970s, looking in particular at three different seal species in the sub-Antarctic on Signy Island: Weddell seals, Antarctic fur seals and southern elephant seals.
Using satellite records from as far back as 1982, the research team compared annual changes in sea ice concentration with seal population counts conducted since 1977. With five decades worth of data spanning a period of long-term warming and temporary cooling between 1998 and 2014, they were able to draw a comprehensive picture of how seal populations react to changing ice conditions, something shorter-term studies would not be able to achieve.
The study, published in the scientific journal Global Change Biology, found Weddell seals (leptonychotes weddellii), which rely on stable sea ice to rest, breed and feed, had declined by 54% since 1977. Similarly, Antarctic fur seals (arctocephalus gazella), which breed on land but are affected by food chain shifts, have declined by 47%.
The findings challenge previous assumptions that the population in the South Orkneys had stabilised.
Southern elephant seals (mirounga leonina), despite sharing similar population trends, presented 'no significant overall long-term decline'.
The study serves to emphasise the 'vital importance of long-term ecological monitoring' as well as the interconnectedness between the three species of seal and sea ice conditions. Michael Dunn, lead author of the study, said: 'For once, we're not just predicting how wildlife might respond to shrinking sea ice and environmental shifts, we've had the rare opportunity to confirm it, using solid, long-term data. The emerging picture is deeply concerning.'
Sign up to Down to Earth
The planet's most important stories. Get all the week's environment news - the good, the bad and the essential
after newsletter promotion
In light of the BAS's findings, researchers have also raised concerns about how climate breakdown is affecting the Antarctic food web, relied on by all three species.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
24 minutes ago
- The Independent
Warning over hundreds of deaths during weekend heatwave
New research projects approximately 570 excess deaths across England and Wales between Thursday and Sunday due to the current heatwave. The study, conducted by experts from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Imperial College London, anticipates the peak fatalities on Saturday, with London expected to be most affected. The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber heat-health alert for all of England, warning vulnerable populations of significant health risks, including a rise in deaths. A separate World Weather Attribution study found the current heatwave has been made about 100 times more likely and 2-4C hotter due to climate change. Researchers emphasize that heatwaves are a growing threat in the UK, particularly for people over 65, and warn that heat-related deaths could significantly increase by 2050 if global warming continues. Hundreds of deaths expected this weekend during UK heatwave
South Wales Guardian
36 minutes ago
- South Wales Guardian
Charles pays tribute to ‘resilience' of Antarctic research scientists
While the UK enjoys its longest day of sunlight on Saturday, British scientists at the South Pole experience 24 hours of darkness. In a morale-raising message recorded for the BBC's midwinter broadcast, Charles praised the researchers' 'critically important' work as well as their 'resilience and commitment' to their jobs. 'With the sun shying away from your horizon today, I particularly wanted to send my warmest good wishes to all of those serving at British Antarctic research stations this midwinter's say and, above all, to express the greatest admiration for the critically important work you do. 'The scientific research that the British Antarctic Survey undertakes, alongside teams from across the world, is today more vital than ever, telling us stories of the past, the present and possible futures. 'Each observation, measurement and calculation you undertake adds to the world's understanding of the Earth's fragile systems and the role humanity plays, as we struggle to live in harmony with nature. 'I very much appreciate the resilience and commitment to duty you all demonstrate so effectively, and which embody the pioneering spirit that has characterised British polar exploration for generations. 'On the 70th anniversary of this midwinter broadcast, I send countless special thoughts for your celebrations today.' It comes a month after the King, a longtime environmental advocate, urged people to help save the planet during a charity fundraiser, telling the crowd: 'Collaboration is far better than conflict.' He said the charity's work comes at a time when efforts are under way to 'develop an even greater ability to manage the human and animal conflict'. Charles said: 'If we're going to rescue this poor planet (from) continuing degradation, and restore some degree of harmony to the proceedings, we must also understand that whatever we take and exploit from nature, we need to give something back in return to enable nature to sustain us.' The BBC's midwinter broadcast is part of a day of celebrations for personnel at British Antarctic Survey stations at Rothera, Bird Island, and South Georgia, who join colleagues at other international bases across the continent to mark the day. Alongside the King's message, the BBC World Service programme consists of music requests and messages from home to those at BAS research stations, who traditionally feast, exchange presents, and watch the classic 1982 horror film The Thing, set in the Antarctic. This year midwinter coincides with sweltering weather back on British soil, as the UK prepares for thunderstorms which are set to mix with continued high temperatures on Saturday – with up to 34C possible in some areas. A yellow thunderstorm weather warning covering all of northern England, from Nottingham up to above Newcastle, will come into force from 3pm and last until 4am on Sunday. The Met Office warned the most intense storms could produce 'frequent lightning, large hail and gusty winds', along with a chance of flooding. Parts of eastern England could also see temperatures peak high enough to eclipse the 32.2C seen on Thursday and become the hottest day of the year so far.
South Wales Argus
37 minutes ago
- South Wales Argus
Charles pays tribute to ‘resilience' of Antarctic research scientists
While the UK enjoys its longest day of sunlight on Saturday, British scientists at the South Pole experience 24 hours of darkness. In a morale-raising message recorded for the BBC's midwinter broadcast, Charles praised the researchers' 'critically important' work as well as their 'resilience and commitment' to their jobs. 'With the sun shying away from your horizon today, I particularly wanted to send my warmest good wishes to all of those serving at British Antarctic research stations this midwinter's say and, above all, to express the greatest admiration for the critically important work you do. 'The scientific research that the British Antarctic Survey undertakes, alongside teams from across the world, is today more vital than ever, telling us stories of the past, the present and possible futures. 'Each observation, measurement and calculation you undertake adds to the world's understanding of the Earth's fragile systems and the role humanity plays, as we struggle to live in harmony with nature. 'I very much appreciate the resilience and commitment to duty you all demonstrate so effectively, and which embody the pioneering spirit that has characterised British polar exploration for generations. 'On the 70th anniversary of this midwinter broadcast, I send countless special thoughts for your celebrations today.' It comes a month after the King, a longtime environmental advocate, urged people to help save the planet during a charity fundraiser, telling the crowd: 'Collaboration is far better than conflict.' He said the charity's work comes at a time when efforts are under way to 'develop an even greater ability to manage the human and animal conflict'. Charles said: 'If we're going to rescue this poor planet (from) continuing degradation, and restore some degree of harmony to the proceedings, we must also understand that whatever we take and exploit from nature, we need to give something back in return to enable nature to sustain us.' The BBC's midwinter broadcast is part of a day of celebrations for personnel at British Antarctic Survey stations at Rothera, Bird Island, and South Georgia, who join colleagues at other international bases across the continent to mark the day. Alongside the King's message, the BBC World Service programme consists of music requests and messages from home to those at BAS research stations, who traditionally feast, exchange presents, and watch the classic 1982 horror film The Thing, set in the Antarctic. This year midwinter coincides with sweltering weather back on British soil, as the UK prepares for thunderstorms which are set to mix with continued high temperatures on Saturday – with up to 34C possible in some areas. A yellow thunderstorm weather warning covering all of northern England, from Nottingham up to above Newcastle, will come into force from 3pm and last until 4am on Sunday. The Met Office warned the most intense storms could produce 'frequent lightning, large hail and gusty winds', along with a chance of flooding. Parts of eastern England could also see temperatures peak high enough to eclipse the 32.2C seen on Thursday and become the hottest day of the year so far.
