A 2025 study revealed a critical decline in Antarctic fur seal populations in the South Orkney Islands. This decline is directly linked to climate-induced changes, specifically a reduction in sea ice and krill biomass.
The Institute of Marine Research, Norway, reported a 6.16 million-ton decrease in Antarctic krill biomass. This has significantly impacted the fur seal population, which relies on krill as their primary food source.
The Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) observed that reduced sea ice in the Weddell Sea region has led to challenges in breeding and pup survival. The NOAA Fisheries survey showed an 86% decrease in the South Shetland Islands fur seal population since 2007, highlighting the broader ecosystem impact.