Weddell Seals’ Surprising Deep Dive Strategy in Antarctica

**Weddell seals, the southernmost living mammals, are known for their remarkable diving abilities, reaching depths of over 900 meters and staying submerged for up to 96 minutes.** A new study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution reveals unexpected foraging strategies that challenge prior assumptions. Contrary to expectations, these seals do not conduct their deepest dives during midday, when the most light is available for hunting. Instead, they perform extreme dives earlier in the day, allowing for optimal recovery without compromising their foraging success. This tactic enables them to forage consistently under high-light conditions, making it possible to adapt to the ever-changing Antarctic environment more efficiently. Researchers equipped seals with Conductivity Temperature Depth-Satellite Relay Dive Loggers, gathering extensive behavioral data. The findings highlight a delicate balance between physiological constraints and ecological needs and suggest similar strategies might be employed by other diving predators like emperor penguins. The research was supported by the National Science Foundation and the Every Page Foundation.