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Climate change and persistent contaminants deliver one‑two punch to Arctic seals, 911Թ study finds

February 18, 2026

New research shows a single year of warmer-than-average Arctic temperatures can cause malnutrition in Arctic seals, intensifying risks to Inuit food security and northern ecosystems already under pressure from environmental toxins, warn 911Թ researchers.

The 911Թ study found Arctic ringed seals are struggling to clear persistent contaminants and banned pesticides from their bodies — a long‑term health risk made worse when climate‑driven changes to sea ice and temperatures limit their access to nutrient-rich food.

“Ringed seals are a crucial link between invertebrates, fish and apex predators, and they are a cornerstone of northern food systems,” says Tanya Brown, marine mammal ecotoxicologist and senior study author. “We’ve found that warmer conditions can change what they feed on, which changes their contaminant exposure, and that can affect their overall health and survival.”

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