Big Razorback seal camp

Dear Friend,

Today I went to Big Razorback seal camp. It’s only a few miles from Weddell World but looks very different. Instead of a Jamesway, the scientists there live and work in fish huts, small wooden rooms built on big sleds. The scientists are studying different things, too. While the Weddell World scientists are focused on how and what Weddell seals hunt, the Big Razorback scientists are exploring how many seals there are, how long they live, and where they like to hang out. They learn all this by following many individual seals over their whole lives (20-25 years). The scientists keep track of many animals with numbered tags, which the animals wear on their rear flippers. I’ll get a chance to see how they tag the seals tomorrow!

Marine mammals enjoy special protection in the United States. Research on marine mammals (including photography) within U.S. jurisdictions or when based at a U.S. institution requires a permit under the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act. Bob Marstall, who took this photo, is listed on Robert Garrott’s permit, which is Marine Mammal Permit #1032-1679-00.

Your friend,

Bob