Sea‐ice anomalies affect the acoustic presence of Antarctic pinnipeds in breeding areas

Abstract

Sea ice is crucial for breeding in true Antarctic pinnipeds. Although critical to interpret and mitigate the effects of extreme climatic events on polar species, knowledge of the effects of strong sea‐ice anomalies on the reproductive activity of true Antarctic pinnipeds is scarce. Underwater vocalizations in these species play a key role in reproduction and function as indicators for presence and breeding onset. Using 8 years of recordings, we quantified the effect of sea‐ice concentration and drift on the acoustic presence probability of four pinniped species in their breeding areas. In all four species, acoustic activity timing was constant across years, but decreased when sea‐ice cover conditions were <10%, suggesting that individuals may fail to anticipate rapid changes in sea‐ice cover. In the species’ traditional breeding areas, extreme and regular negative anomalies in early austral‐summer sea ice could affect long‐term reproductive success. Our findings underscore the urgent need for a better understanding of climate‐driven changes in high‐fidelity breeding areas to mitigate current and future anthropogenic pressures, and to sustain the integrity and functionality of the Southern Ocean's ecosystems.