Updated estimate of the breeding population of Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) at Penguin Point, Marambio / Seymour Island within the proposed Weddell Sea Marine Protected Area

Abstract

Abstract The Adélie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae)is an indicator species of the state of the Antarctic marine environment and this is reflected in the size of its reproductive populations. The mean number of breeding pairs of the Adélie penguin on Penguin Point, Marambio / Seymour Island, east of the Antarctic Peninsula, in the Weddell Sea, increased by 32.4% (λ = 1.01) from 1985/1986 to 2014/2015. Although in intermediate counts, there were fluctuations in the number of couples. Variations in Adélie penguin populations may be due to natural variables such as the extent of sea ice; quantity and quality of food; winter survival of adults and juveniles; predation; among others, or due to human activities such as commercial fishing. Our study attempts to contribute to the current estimates of the reproductive population of the Adélie penguin in the region and may also contribute to the negotiations for the implementation of the marine protected area proposed in the sector.