Antarctic seal population crashing as sea ice continues collapse
Several species of Antarctic seals are discovering that looking cute is not enough to save them from extinction. The latest research from the British Antarctic Survey indicates that Weddell seals, Antarctic fur seals and southern elephant seals have all declined precipitously in the past 50 years. That is primarily because the ice they live on is melting, so they have nowhere to live. The ice is melting because of global warming.
Populations have declined roughly 7 % per year since peaking in 2009
Seals are apex predators—declines signal deep disruption in Antarctic marine food webs, from krill to fish to seals. As sea ice loss affects weather patterns and ocean currents, the cycle of ecological damage has become irreversible sea ice loss, diminished krill, and new disease pressures. These declines highlight a rapidly shifting Antarctic ecosystem driven by global warming —and now compounded by viral outbreaks. Marine life across the spectrum is not only affected by sea ice decline, but also the changing chemistry of the oceans as the increasing acidity threatens the web of life across the board. When the oceans are done, we are done.
Weddell Seals: A long-term study on Signy Island reveals Weddell seal numbers have plummeted by 54 % since 1977, largely due to melting sea ice, which they depend on for resting, breeding, and hunting.
Antarctic Fur Seals: Their population has dropped about 47 % since 1977 in the same region. Especially vulnerable at Bird Island, populations have declined roughly 7 % per year since peaking in 2009—a dramatic crash linked to rising sea temperatures reducing krill, their primary food source.