THE ANTARCTIC VOYAGE: CLIMATE IMPACTS ON FORAGING SEABIRDS

Join us for a captivating presentation featuring Dr. Richard R. Veit, Dr. Lisa L. Manne, and Samantha A. Monier and discover the groundbreaking research conducted during their recent expedition to South Georgia, a remote island in the Antarctic Ocean.

OVERVIEW
Filmmaker Kevin Schreck will showcase his documentary captured during the journey. The film provides a stunning visual context to the research on the foraging behaviors of seabirds. It highlights the dramatic landscapes and rich biodiversity of South Georgia, setting the stage for the discussion on ecological dynamics. The findings suggest significant impacts due to changing climates, shedding light on the intricate web of ecological interactions.

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
• Novel Hypothesis Testing: We explore how changes in the populations of marine mammals (like fur seals) and other seabirds affect seabird foraging behaviors. Our hypothesis suggests that declines in these indicator species could lead to disproportionate declines in other species due to the loss of crucial foraging cues—a concept known as “Local Enhancement and Facilitation.”
• Comparative Analysis: Our methods have been validated with historical data from the 1980s and 1990s, providing robust support for our hypotheses and revealing alarming trends.

WHY IT MATTERS
Understanding the ripple effects of changing marine populations under climate stress offers vital insights for conservation and management strategies. This research not only highlights the complex dependencies in marine ecosystems but also raises important questions about the future of these environments under ongoing climate change.

Join us as we uncover the complex relationships within marine ecosystems and discuss the unexpected ways that wildlife adapts to a changing world.

This is a CLUE event.