Arctic Seals Face Increased Extinction Risk Amid Rapid Warming and Human Activity

Arctic Seals Face Increased Extinction Risk Amid Rapid Warming and Human Activity
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The Arctic is warming nearly four times faster than the global average, putting its seal populations under heightened threat, Anadolu Agency reported. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, which assesses 172,620 species globally, shows that three Arctic seal species have moved closer to extinction. The hooded seal is now classified as endangered, while the bearded and harp seals have shifted to near threatened.

Sea-ice loss driven by global warming is identified as the primary threat. The 2025 Arctic Report Card from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration noted record-high surface air temperatures from October 2024 to September 2025, with autumn 2024 being the warmest season on record.

Melting ice is also increasing human activity in the region. Shipping through the Northern Sea Route has surged, with containerized cargo volumes rising to approximately 400,000 tons in 2025 and a record 15 container ship transits, raising risks of ship strikes, noise pollution, and habitat disturbance.

Arctic seals play a crucial role in the ecosystem, serving as prey for polar bears and killer whales while regulating fish populations. Experts emphasize that protecting key areas from human activity is vital to help seals and other Arctic species adapt as sea ice continues to decline.