Variable levels of genetic population structure across the circumpolar distribution of Weddell seals

The rapid warming observed in the Northern Antarctic Peninsula (NAP) has led to a reduction in winter sea ice and significant changes in the ecology of krill-dependent pinniped species have been observed in the past decade. Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) are extensively studied in Antarctica; however, there is a notable absence of information regarding the NAP region. Broad scale genetic analyses suggest that genetic and geographical distance are correlated and there is significant population differentiation across the species range. Consequently, we hypothesize that Weddell seal populations in the NAP are genetically connected to other northern populations, such as South Georgia. To investigate this hypothesis, we will obtain mtDNA sequencing data from Weddell seal tissue samples (n= 28) collected by the NOAA Antarctic Marine Living Resources program (US AMLR). We will analyze this dataset in the context of publicly available data (n= 395) from other populations across the species circumpolar distribution. The findings of this study will provide valuable insights into the ecology and conservation status of NAP Weddell seals, thereby contributing to the overarching goal of understanding the effects of changing environmental parameters on vulnerable polar mammal species.

Presentation Preference: Poster

Primary Presenter: Ian Santos Rodriguez, Hampton University (ian.rodriguez1@my.hamptonu.edu)

Authors:

Ian Santos Rodriguez, Hampton University  (ian.rodriguez1@my.hamptonu.edu)

Douglas Krause, NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center  (douglas.krause@noaa.gov)

Carolina Bonin, Hampton University  (carolina.lewallen@hamptonu.edu)

Julia Canitz, Hampton University  (JULIA.CANITZ@hamptonu.edu)