Weddell Seal Science

This video explores individual variation found among Antarctica's Weddell seals, and what those differences might mean for the future of this southernmost mammal on Earth, living in the most pristine marine environment remaining on our planet. More information on the Weddell seal ecology project at WeddellSealScience.com

The resilient Weddell seals of Erebus Bay in Antarctica's Ross Sea, and how they responded to a massive iceberg event that blocked access to some of their pupping areas in the past decade. More information on the Weddell seal ecology project at WeddellSealScience.com

The first step is getting there! The Weddell seal field research team based at Montana State University travels to Antarctica through the U.S. Antarctic Program via Christchurch, New Zealand, where team members are issued extreme cold weather (ECW) clothing. From Christchurch, the field team boards a C17 military transport operated by the U.S. Air Force for the flight to the main US. Antarctic base, McMurdo Station. More information on the Weddell seal ecology project at WeddellSealScience.com

A functioning population of apex predators in a pristine Antarctic marine environment provides a unique opportunity to learn more about our world, and how animals interact with their environment. Interview with Montana State University ecologist Jay Rotella on location in the Weddell seal colony at Big Razorback Island, Erebus Bay in the Ross Sea.

Fascinating video look at life underwater and on top of the sea ice for the southernmost mammal on our planet. Interview on location in Antarctica with MSU ecologist Jay Rotella on the life and survival of Weddell seals. More information at WeddellSealScience.com.

Weddell seal ecology field work in Antarctica by MSU graduate students!

Connecting to the world from our remote field camp in Antarctica thanks to the US Antarctic Program's IT Comms specialists.

Are some Weddell pups couch potatoes? Ecologists from Montana State University are investigating the role of Weddell seal pup swimming activity in seal survival. More info at WeddellSealScience.com.

Video dispatch from Antarctica as our 2010 Weddell seal study field season was getting underway. With the remote field camp in place at the beginning of the austral spring season October, 2010, the research team flagged safe routes for snowmobile travel to get to seal colonies in the study area, and began getting everything in place for what would become a very busy Antarctica field season.

Iconic predators, incredible divers, unforgettable pups! These beautiful animals are the subject one of the longest running population studies ever of a long-lived mammal. Join Montana State University ecologists and professors Bob Garrott and Jay Rotella and graduate student Jen Mannas as they introduce us to these amazing animals and the work of the research team in Antarctica. Filmed on location on Antarctica, where Weddell seals inhabit the last remaining pristine marine environment on Earth. Video production by Mary Lynn Price. More information at WeddellSealScience.com.

Sometimes sunny and beautiful, sometimes extremely challenging, weather in Antarctica can change quickly! Weddell seal researchers get the job done in all kinds of conditions so long as the work can be done safely.

Studying Weddell seals in Antarctica requires the right clothes for the job! The U.S. Antarctic Programs's Clothing Distribution Center in Christchurch, New Zealand makes sure researchers are good to go.