NSF research with a 'seal' of approval: Meet the Weddell seal research team

November 4, 2021

National Science Foundation
Office of Polar Programs
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22230

The Antarctic summer is gearing up, and with it comes some of our favorite research projects. Throughout the season, we will be sharing stories, research updates, and point you to other ways to follow along with researchers in the field.

Up first: the Weddell seal population project by the Montana State University Weddell seal research team.

This project is part of a long-term study on the breeding population of Weddell seals in Erebus Bay since 1968. The long-term dataset includes detailed population information, providing excellent opportunities to study the effects of different environmental conditions on the species' life history in the Antarctic. This includes the impact of the changing climate and marine and sea-ice conditions, on the Weddell seal population.

Interested? Follow the researchers this season on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and their blog!

You can also read more about their recent research on the team's publications page.

Photo Gallery

The first pup of the 2021 research year has been born in the Erebus Bay study area. Image taken under NMFS Permit #s 1032-1917, 17236 and 21158. Photo Credit: Parker Levinson

A mom and pup Weddell seal lay sleeping in the sun. Image taken under NMFS Permit #s 1032-1917, 17236 and 21158. Photo Credit: Jesse DeVoe

Weddells are true seals of the family Phocidae and spend their entire lives in Antarctica. They are the southernmost breeding population of mammals on Earth and can be found all around the coast of Antarctica. Image taken under NMFS Permit #s 1032-1917, 17236 and 21158. Photo Credit: Terrill Paterson