Food Scarcity Threatens Fur Seals in Georgia: Study Reveals Alarming Decline in Krill Population

2023-10-19 11:15:00

TheKan Georgia Food scarcity poses a new challenge for fur seals living on sub-Antarctic islands, study finds. They were once on the brink of extinction due to heavy hunting. Fur seals on Bird Island in south Georgia feed on things like krill. Fur seals are facing a food crisis due to the recent decline in krill population. Elsewhere, the situation is no different. Researchers from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) are behind the discovery.

“There is good news and sad news to share about fur seals. Numbers have increased since the ban on hunting seals, but sadly the absence of things like krill is challenging their survival,” says a researcher at the British Antarctic Survey.

Fur seals were widely hunted during the 1700-1800s. Only a few remained in the 20th century. Their return was made possible by vigorous conservation efforts. By 2000, the number of fur seals had risen to between 45 million and 62 million. But new studies point in a different direction.

The researchers share concerns that the numbers compiled during this period may not be accurate. Counting seals is not easy. Seals are counted during breeding season. Male seals in south Georgia do not breed until they reach ten years of age. This means that 80 percent of the anseals are not recorded in the survey.

Fur seals on Baid Island | Photo: Cameron Fox-Clarke/ British Antarctic Survey (BAS)

The definitive studies of Antarctic fur seals were conducted on Baid Island. In 2009, the number of SEALs increased, and in subsequent years, the number of members declined by 7 percent.

Krill make up about 80 percent of the diet of fur seals in areas including southern Georgia. Decreasing krill populations due to factors such as climate change are also affecting young fur seals. Researchers say more detailed studies will be needed to determine the cause of the decline in krill populations, particularly in places like Baid Island. ‘Glauber Change BiologyThe study report has been published in the journal.