Summary
The number of people travelling to Antarctica and interacting with wildlife is continually increasing. Research has indicated that visitation can have a negative effect on some Antarctic wildlife, causing changes to their behaviour and physiology. Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) are frequently exposed to approaches by pedestrians and vehicles but as yet we have little empirical information as to the impact this activity may be having on the seals. As part of a multi-year research program, we are investigating the effects of pedestrians, over-snow vehicles and helicopters on the Weddell seals. The research is management-oriented and aims to make quality information available for the development of a comprehensive and scientifically based set of guidelines for managing interactions between people and Weddell seals. Here, we present the experimental procedure we are employing to measure the effects of disturbance on Weddell seals. Response is being quantified on the basis of the behaviour and heart rate of individual animals and on the haul-out patterns of entire colonies. An additional component of the work is to collect a series of recordings of the in-air and under water sound produced by over-snow vehicles and helicopters operating at various distances from the seals. This component of the project should enable us to determine whether vehicle activity interferes with vocal communication in seals.