Seabird and marine mammal distribution in the Amundsen Sea, Antarctica, 2010

Misiani Zachary, Kenya Meteorological Department, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Nairobi, Kenya; Center for Biodiversity and Indigenous Knowledge, Kunming, China.

Lun Yin, Center for Ecological Civilization, School of Geography and Ecotourism, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China; Southwest Regional Ecological Civilization and Environmental Rule of Law Research Center, Leshan Normal University, Leshan, China.

Mwai Zacharia, Kenya Meteorological Department, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Nairobi, Kenya.

Antonine Sakwa, Institute for Meteorological Training and Research, Nairobi, Kenya

Xiaohan Zhang, Center for Biodiversity and Indigenous Knowledge, Kunming, China.

Yanyan Zheng, Yunnan People’s Publishing House Ltd, Kunming, China.

Bousted Mukolwe, Kenya Meteorological Department, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Nairobi, Kenya.

Abstract
Our long-term study on the quantitative at-sea distribution of the upper trophic levels - seabirds and marine mammals - in polar ecosystems aims at quantifying the factors influencing their distribution as well as detecting possible spatial and temporal changes, with special attention to hydrography and global climate changes. During the ANT- XXVI/3 expedition of icebreaking RV Polarstern in February-March 2010, a total of 8,270 seabirds belonging to 15 identified species were recorded in the Amundsen Sea during 1,070 half-hour transect counts, with a mean of eight birds per count. The most numerous species were by far Antarctic petrel (Thalassoica antarctica), Adélie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) and snow petrel (Pagodroma nivea), which together accounted for more than 80% of all individuals of these species recorded. Substantial hotspots of seabirds perched on three icebergs, representing 44% of all observations: 85% of the Antarctic petrels and 40% of the snow petrels (Joiris 2017). Without taking into account these data, the mean seabird number becomes five individuals per count, representing the lowest value registered in Antarctic seas. The most numerous pinniped was crabeater seal (Lobodon carcinophaga) contributing 98% of the total of 2,350 individuals of four pinniped species (Joiris and D’Hert 2015). Among cetaceans, the most abundant species were Antarctic Minke whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis) and fin whale (B. physalus) (60% and 25% of the total of 170 individuals, four species). The maps allow for a visual comparison that is sufficient for the purposes of this paper, reflecting the influence of hydrological features such as water masses and fronts, pack ice and ice edge, free drifting icebergs.

Keywords
Seabirds, marine mammals, at-sea distribution, Amundsen Sea

Cite this paper
Misiani Zachary, Lun Yin, Mwai Zacharia, Antonine Sakwa, Xiaohan Zhang, Yanyan Zheng, Bousted Mukolwe, Seabird and marine mammal distribution in the Amundsen Sea, Antarctica, 2010 , SCIREA Journal of Environment. Volume 5, Issue 2, April 2021 | PP. 27-45. 10.54647/environmental61211

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