In Antarctica, scientists are employing Weddell seals for research due to their remarkable ability to dive up to a thousand meters deep. This capacity allows them to gather crucial data from otherwise inaccessible depths that would be difficult to measure using traditional vessels. The recruitment of a new research scientist, Ji-Yeon Cheon, involved careful strategies to approach and sedate the seals for tagging, demonstrating the challenges faced in conducting research in such extreme environments.

Cheon and her colleague, Hyunjae Chung, an ecologist specializing in behavior, have spent several weeks in the frigid marine surroundings of the Thwaites Glacier, marking Weddell seals. Following the marking, they will monitor the seals as they dive, swim, and feed over the coming months. Attached pocket devices will record their movements and surrounding water properties, providing valuable insights into their behavior and contributing to a better understanding of oceanic and environmental conditions in the region.

This research is not only pivotal for marine biology but also has broader implications for climate science, as the Thwaites Glacier is considered a significant indicator of climate change impacts in Antarctica. The findings from this study may reveal critical information about how changing ocean conditions affect marine life, which is essential for conservation efforts and predicting future climate scenarios.