When asked by some of my friends and family members about why the Weddell seal research team goes all the way to Antarctica to study this population of Weddell seals, I try to describe how important this long-term population data is to understanding how this currently stable population of marine mammals in a nearly pristine marine environment really works. And that what is learned by studying this healthy population of seals over the many decades of this unique long-term study can be useful in better managing populations of other animals that are endangered or aren’t doing as well. Many years ago, I made this little film with Dr. Jay Rotella about the work of the Study to try to answer this question. Hope you enjoy this older Project video!

– Mary Lynn Price