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    Synopsis of data from satellite telemetry of foraging trips and migration routes of penguins and pinnipeds from the South Shetland Islands, 1997/98 to present

    Request Meeting Document
    Document Number:
    WG-EMM-12/37
    Author(s):
    J. Hinke, G. Watters, W. Trivelpiece and M. Goebel (USA)
    Submitted By:
    Sarah Mackey (CCAMLR Secretariat)
    Abstract

    We present a synopsis of the US AMLR satellite telemetry data, including both ARGOS and GPS positions estimates, to inform spatial planning efforts in the Antarctic Peninsula and Scotia Sea region. Identifying the patterns of habitat utilization by marine organisms is critical for proper spatial planning. Moreover, the timing and extent of habitat use by multiple species must be considered to correctly identify the location and overlap of critical habitat for multiple species.

    The US AMLR program has collected satellite telemetry data from summer foraging trips and overwinter migratory routes of penguins and pinnipeds tagged at Cape Shirreff, Livingston Island and at Admiralty Bay, King George Island since 1997/98 for penguins and 2000/01 for pinnipeds. Species tracked include Adélie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins, and Antarctic fur, Weddell, and leopard seals. The data from 14 years of tracking are presented to highlight patterns of local habitat use and long-range migration of these six species.