As global temperatures continue to rise, the impact on wildlife in the Southern Ocean is becoming increasingly evident. In particular, the warming of the ocean has resulted in the melting of sea ice, which in turn has caused a significant decline in the availability of food for whales.
This is a major concern for species such as the right whale, which requires large quantities of plankton and krill to survive.
Specifically, during autumn, these whales typically migrate towards the coast of South Africa, where they would normally be expected to be in good physical condition due to abundant food resources in the area. Unfortunately, due to the effects of global warming, the food chain in this region has been disrupted, resulting in a significant decline in the availability of krill and other small marine organisms that serve as the primary food source of these whales.
As a result, the right whales have been noticeably thinner in recent years, with a higher incidence of malnutrition and other health issues. According to recent statistics, the average weight of these whales has declined by nearly 20% over the past decade, a trend that is likely to continue if measures aren’t taken to address the root causes of this phenomenon.
This is a worrying trend, as it suggests that their food sources are becoming increasingly scarce. These statistics are particularly concerning given that the Southern Ocean is home to one of the largest populations of right whales in the world.
It is essential that we take action to address the issue of global warming and its impact on the environment. This will require a concerted effort on the part of governments, businesses, and individuals around the world.
By reducing our carbon emissions and taking steps to protect the environment, we can help to ensure that whales and other species in the Southern Ocean have access to the food they need to survive.
Global warming is having a profound effect on the lives of animals in the Southern Ocean. The decline in food sources for whales is a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the issue of climate change.
Edited by Zeng Han-Jun
Written by Juliana Rodriguez
Terra Link Research 