I traveled to Antarctica to locate and document the presence of seals through photography. I also had the opportunity to meet one on one with researchers and gain a better understanding of seals, their relationship to the South Ocean ecosystem and how they survive in such harsh environments.
Discovering the Seals of Antarctica
IMAGE CAPTURED AT
64.89410° S, 62.86330° W
Life on the Ice
There are six main species of seals in Antarctic waters. Some of these seals are resident species and migratory species. During my time in Antarctica, I traveled mostly by a large expedition vessel and zodiacs. I also spent considerable time hiking on the frozen land. I noticed the majority of seals in the water or primarily on the sea ice. Rarely did I ever see seals on land or shoreline.
Pictured is a crabeater seal resting on the sea ice during sunny conditions. A crabeater seal can grow to 8.5 feet long and weigh nearly 500 pounds.
A Vanishing Habitat
Antarctic seals are very much dependent on the sea ice for their daily routine of breeding, eating and sleeping. Seals often eat krill, which are also a major food source for penguins, whales, fish, etc. As the sea ice continues to decrease, the abundance of krill decreases, which causes a major concern for these seals.
Most Antarctic seals have thick blubber insulating their body from the cold. It is not uncommon to see seal pups accompanied by their mother for longer periods of time due to dependency and the extreme weather conditions.
Pictured is a weddell seal pup sunning on a large piece of sea ice.
The biggest threats to Antarctic seals are the increased loss of sea ice, lack of food availability (krill), glacier meltwater and killer whales.
When meeting with researchers about the seals, the main concern is the always the consistent reduction of sea ice.
I Met Mike on an Expedition in the Arctic Fjords. He Put Together Some Very Nice Videos I Will Be Using for My Business.
Henrick H.
Expeditions
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