[Animals] Weddell seal provides vital information for studying the ocean in Antarctica

[FNX Magokiler]

The scientists seek to monitor the hydrological variables of the peninsula, which is difficult due to its climatic conditions.

They chose this species because it does not migrate in search of food, which allows a complete study of the place.

A group of scientists found a way to monitor the changes faced by Antarctica, which due to its climatic conditions is complex to study, with a species that lives there: the Weddell seal.

The study is being carried out by expert researchers from the Center for Dynamic Research in High Latitude Marine Ecosystems (IDEAL) of the Universidad Austral de Chile (UACh), the Center for Oceanographic Research in the South-Eastern Pacific (COPAS Coastal) and the Millennium Institute. BASE, and seeks to monitor the hydrological variables of the Antarctic Peninsula with the help of these animals.

This species has an average length of 2.5 meters and a weight of up to 600 kilograms in males, it is considered one of the largest in the Southern Ocean. Likewise, they are expert divers and can dive up to 600 meters deep, holding their breath for up to an hour.

"Weddell seals have proven to be an invaluable resource for monitoring data in periods where it is difficult to sample at sea, such as in the fall and winter, and at depths under the overlying ice sheets," explained the Dr. Andrea Piñones, leader of the Fondecyt project: "Covering the gap: characterization of winter hydrographic conditions and habitat use in the North Antarctic Peninsula using instrumented seals and ocean modelling".

The team seeks to describe the variability in the hydrographic conditions of the upper water column along the northern shelf of the peninsula, including part of South Shetland Island and the Bransfield Strait, as the information available so far is limited. .

 

 

With this new background it will be possible to establish measures for the conservation of this unique ecosystem. Piñones said that "we hope that the project's findings will contribute significantly to our understanding of the Antarctic ecosystem and guide future research in the region."

"Without a doubt, these fascinating marine creatures have proven to be valuable collaborators in scientific research in one of the most extreme regions of the planet," said the researcher who, with this, also seeks to understand the feeding and movement behavior of these mammals.

WHY THE WEDDELL SEAL?
The choice of this species is due to the fact that it does not migrate in search of food, thus allowing a complete record of the area to be obtained, since it remains close to its territory all year round, feeding on prey such as Antarctic krill and various fish.

The researchers chose the right seals by looking at their fur and selected large, healthy adults. Octavo Mercado, COPAS Coastal oceanographer, explained that a sensor is attached to their backs that detaches with the change of fur, "it does not cause discomfort or harm the animal."

During the first year of the project, four sensors were installed, while in the last year there were five, which record parameters such as "temperature, salinity, pressure and location, every time the seals submerge," said Paula Amador, a researcher at the IDEAL Center. .

On the other hand, the group will study the possible relationship between the animal's diet and the vertical mixing in the water, where hotspots of particles, plankton, krill and nutrients are produced, in an area that is little known and accessible.

 

https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/region-de-magallanes/antartica/la-foca-de-weddell-da-informacion-vital-para-estudiar-el-oceano-en-la/2023-04-03/160151.html