Movements and diving behavior of weaned Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddellii) pups

Between 1993 and 1995, the diving behavior and movement patterns of 23 wean ed Weddell seal pups (Leptonychotes weddellii) were tracked in the Ross Sea . Antarctica, using satellite-linked time-depth recorders. Regression analy ses revealed that for seals of between 8 and 27 weeks old, age was poorly c orrelated with the dive depth, duration, or frequency. However, changes in dive parameters suggested that Weddell seal pups were attempting to maximiz e dive time, but the manner in which this was done depended on age and time of day. Movement patterns indicated that most Weddell seal pups left their natal area by the end of February, and traveled north along the Antarctic continent coastline. Several individuals returned to McMurdo Sound, but oth ers were last located more than 400 km from McMurdo. Routes followed sugges t that pups can use the pack ice habitat, but prefer to remain closer to th e coastline than do adults.