The crabeater seal as a candidate species for climate change monitoring and the CCAMLR Ecosystem Monitoring Program (CEMP): East Antarctica monitoring program

Antarctic marine ecosystems and the Southern Ocean are undergoing significant changes driven by climate-induced processes. These include increased CO2 absorption and ocean acidification, reduced sea ice extent, and rising ocean temperatures due to human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. These changes are impacting the entire local food web, with implications for krill and other species. However, our understanding of the linkages between sea ice, biogeochemical processes, and trophic levels within the Antarctic sea ice region is still limited. To address these knowledge gaps, the French program ASSET is conducting a pilot study on crabeater seals in Terre Adélie. The aim is to predict the future of krill populations and their predators. Building on this pilot study, we plan to conduct a long-term investigation of these predators in both Terre Adélie and Eastern Antarctica. Through this research, we will assess krill-predator relationships and identify key feeding areas. The findings from this study hold crucial implications for the ecosystem-based management of the krill fishery. Additionally, they will contribute to a better understanding of polar ecosystems under the influence of climate change. This research is essential for developing effective conservation and management strategies in response to the rapidly evolving environmental conditions in the Antarctic region.