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Changes in the Antarctic sea ice ecosystem: potential effects on krill and baleen whales
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 06:33 authored by Nicol, S, Worby, A, Leaper, RThe annual formation and loss of some 15 million km2 of sea ice around the Antarctic significantly affects global ocean circulation, particularly through the formation of dense bottom water.As one of the most profound seasonal changes on Earth, the formation and decay of sea ice plays a major role in climate processes. It is also likely to be impacted by climate change, potentially changing the productivity of the Antarctic region. The sea ice zone supports much wildlife, particularly large vertebrates such as seals, seabirds and whales, some exploited to near extinction. Cetacean species in the Southern Ocean will be directly impacted by changes in sea ice patterns as well as indirectly by changes in their principal prey, Antarctic krill, affected by modifications to their own environment through climate change. Understanding how climate change will affect species at all trophic levels in the Southern Ocean requires new approaches and integrated research programs. This review focuses on the current state of knowledge of the sea ice zone and examines the potential for climatic and ecological change in the region. In the context of changes already documented for seals and seabirds, it discusses potential effects on the most conspicuous vertebrate of the region, baleen whales.
History
Publication title
Marine and Freshwater ResearchVolume
59Issue
2008Pagination
1323-1650ISSN
1323-1650Department/School
Institute for Marine and Antarctic StudiesPublisher
C S I R O PublishingPlace of publication
150 Oxford St, Po Box 1139, Collingwood, Australia, Victoria, 3066Rights statement
Copyright © 2008 CSIRO http://www.publish.csiro.auRepository Status
- Restricted