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There is a long, proud tradition of '''[[United States Navy]]''' involvement in the exploration and governance of both [[Westarctica]] and the entire continent of [[Antarctica]]. Without the influence of the U.S. Navy, it's quite possible Westarctica would not exist at all.
The '''[[crabeater seal]]''' is a true seal with a circumpolar distribution around the coast of [[Antarctica]]. They are found primarily on the free-floating [[pack ice]] that extends seasonally out from the Antarctic coast, which they use as a platform for resting, mating, social aggregation and accessing their prey. They are by far the most abundant seal species in the world. While population estimates are uncertain, there are at least 7 million and possibly as many as 75 million individuals. This success of this species is due to its specialized predation on the abundant [[Antarctic krill]] of the [[Southern Ocean]], for which it has uniquely adapted, sieve-like tooth structure.


From the 1920s to the 1960s, the United States Navy led the world in exploration of [[Marie Byrd Land]], the most remote part of Antarctica, which remained largely unexplored and had not been claimed by any nation. Rear Admiral [[Richard E. Byrd]] was the driving force behind the Navy's penetration into the Great White Continent and his teams largely consisted of Navy personnel with some civilian scientists to support their operations. As a result of this heavy involvement of U.S. sailors and naval officers, most features in [[Westarctica]] were consequently named after them.
Despite its name, crabeater seals do not eat crabs. As well as being an important [[krill]] predator, the crabeater seal is an important component of the diet of [[leopard seal|leopard seals]], which consume about 80% of all crabeater pups.


From the early days of the [[Achaean Territory of Antarctica|Achaean Territory]], active duty U.S. Navy sailors have always held prominent positions in the [[Royal Council|government]] and [[Peerage of Westarctica|nobility]] of [[Westarctica]].
'''([[crabeater seal|Full Article...]])'''
 
'''([[United States Navy|Full Article...]])'''

Latest revision as of 13:37, 19 March 2026

Crabeater Pléneau Bay.jpg

The crabeater seal is a true seal with a circumpolar distribution around the coast of Antarctica. They are found primarily on the free-floating pack ice that extends seasonally out from the Antarctic coast, which they use as a platform for resting, mating, social aggregation and accessing their prey. They are by far the most abundant seal species in the world. While population estimates are uncertain, there are at least 7 million and possibly as many as 75 million individuals. This success of this species is due to its specialized predation on the abundant Antarctic krill of the Southern Ocean, for which it has uniquely adapted, sieve-like tooth structure.

Despite its name, crabeater seals do not eat crabs. As well as being an important krill predator, the crabeater seal is an important component of the diet of leopard seals, which consume about 80% of all crabeater pups.

(Full Article...)