Elephant seals and fur seals, oh my

    Antarctic fur seal: Arctocephalus gazella
    Two fur seals possibly onshore to have pups and breed.

    Imagine walking through wildlife that has no fear of your presence, a nod of the head, a shuffle to a more comfortable position, common motions as if you weren't even there. Annenkov Island was an oasis of no humans, indigenous wildlife species were the rulers of their domain. Elephant seals, fur seals, penguins, and a myriad of birds coexisting: eat or be eaten.

    Antarctic fur seal
    Sleeping on the beach, notice the distinctive ears of this Antarctic fur seal.

    Let's start today with our Antarctic fur seal: According to the guide, the only eared seal on South Georgia, averaging in length between 1.5 and 2 meters. With a diet of predominantly krill, fish, and penguins. This nighttime feeder will come ashore in early spring (November) to give birth, and breed. Many of the seals we saw were close to giving birth and then jumping right back into their breeding cycle. The pups are nursed for five to eight days and the mothers mate, starting the cycle all over again.

    Antarctic fur seal
    This Antarctic fur seal appears ready to use the tussocks to give birth.

    According to the book I am referencing, the Antarctic fur seal has recovered well since the cessation of exploitation (hunting for their fur) with 95% of the species living on South Georgia. Sadly the number one cause of mortality in the Antarctic fur seal is getting tangled in fishing nets and other marine debris.

    Antarctic fur seal
    A perfect sunny day for a nap on the beach.

    Greetings to the southern elephant seal, the big Southern Ocean seal, with the males weighing up to 4,500 kilograms (over 9,900 lbs).
    What is so interesting about this species is that they are rarely seen at sea, spending most of their time below the surface. Most dives last for 30 minutes to over an hour, reaching depths of 400 to 1,000 meters.

    Southern elephant seal: Mirounga leonina
    This large southern elephant seal is probably not the 'beach master' but does show evidence of trying to assert his dominance.

    Male southern elephant seals are polygynous (today's science word) and have harems of up to one hundred females, and are known as the 'beachmasters.'

    Southern elephant seal
    This male could possibly be the 'beach master'. He surely has the size and the wounds to show dominance.

    Females come ashore in late September and October to pup, and then breed similar to our fur seals. The female leaves after approximately 25 days and returns to the sea.

    Young southern elephant seal pup
    Less than a month old, this young elephant seal is already learning the ropes.

    Elephant seals will then come ashore in summer to molt, which lasts two to three weeks. I was fascinated to learn that the molt is not only the shedding of hair, but also the skin that the hair is attached to. An elephant seal diet is mostly fish, squid, and crustaceans.

    Elephant seal colony
    A small group, or possibly the beginnings of a harem of elephant seals already with young pups.

    Sub-adult southern elephant seal
    No afternoon nap is complete without a little stretch. I call this in yoga "Forward Facing Elephant Seal Tail"

    Comments

    Brayden Monell

    What was the closet you got to the seals? How much seals do you think you saw on the island? How long was was the bigggest seal you saw? How big was the smallest seal you saw?

    Samantha Hampton

    So excited you're coming back next week! I can't wait to hear the details of your trip:) I have a question about the Annenkov Island , if the animals such as the elaphant seal. fur seal,and penguins don't fear the animals around them how aren't they hunted more than others?

    Jillian Worssam

    Hi Brayden, I came within 20 feet of a Southern Elephant Seal, Over three meters in length. Pretty big. I will share more pictures and
    details when I get back. Thanks. Ms. Worssam

    On 2014-10-20 07:59, webmaster@polartrec.com wrote:

    Vyktoria Calderon

    What other animals have you seen?

    Taylor Zimmerman

    Hey Ms. Worssam! I am so excited for you to come back! How did all of the sea Floor mapping go? Was the hypothesis correct that you and the people mad? Well I will see you soon!

    Jillian Worssam

    Hi Samantha, Great question. The animals have a great deal of respect and fear for their predators, like leopard seals. They are not as
    familiar with humans that is why they do not show us fear. I will
    explain more upon my return. Thanks for writing. Ms. Worssam

    On 2014-10-20 10:04, webmaster@polartrec.com wrote:

    Jillian Worssam

    Hi Taylor, Thanks for writing. There were many questions that the scientists asked on this cruise. They are still looking at the data,
    and what is great about science, the scientists might answer one
    question and that answer will lead them to thinking about asking another
    question. See you soon. Ms. Worssam

    On 2014-10-20 12:39, webmaster@polartrec.com wrote:

    Emma W.

    Are there any research buildings on the island? Also, how far away is the island from any human habitation?

    Emma W.

    Are there any research buildings on the island? Also, how far away is the island from any human habitation?

    Emma W.

    Are there any research buildings on the island? Also, how far away is the island from any human habitation?

    Book Club in O…

    The group has just read this log we were interested in learning more about both the fur and elephant seals. One question that we had was what type of marine garbage kills the seals? We can't wait till you're return.

    Oceanography group

    Hey Ms. Wossam!! It's McKenna, Kyla, Heather, and Cheyenne. Here's a few questions! "We're the big seals scary?" asks Kyla. "What do they eat? Are they herbivores or omnivores?" we all ask. "What is your favorite creature that you have seen?" McKenna asks. Cheyenne asks "Do the seals have any odd behavior?" Heather asks "How many times a day do they eat and sleep?" We are all very excited you are coming back on Monday!! ~Kyla, McKenna, Cheyenne, and Heather

    Blanca Trombatore

    How long are you staying on the ship? and how long are you going to share your journals?

    Jillian Worssam

    Hi Blanca, As always a joy to hear from you. Today is our last day of seismic data collection. We then start the long about five day transit
    back to Punta Arenas, I am still hoping to blog each day. Thanks so
    much for all your support. Jillian

    On 2014-10-16 08:44, webmaster@polartrec.com wrote: