What Kind of Penguin Are You?

John Weller

Congratulations, you're an Adélie penguin and live around the cold, clear waters of the Ross Sea or East Antarctic! The Adélie is playful but not cuddly. Although you are sociable and often mingle with friends, you are not afraid to fight when riled. You don't let social norms hold you back, and you have a bit of a wild side. However, you are devoted to family and always look out for your loved ones.

There's good news for your home: The remote Ross Sea is now the world's largest marine protected area (MPA), thanks to a landmark decision made in 2016 by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). But members of CCAMLR must also protect the waters off East Antarctica. This remote area is rich in biodiversity, including seals, Antarctic krill, and Antarctic and Patagonian toothfish, as well as beautiful and raw scenery, including many areas that are covered in sea ice year-round. New research shows that Adélie penguin populations in the East Antarctic could be as high as 6 million, compared with previous estimates of around 2 million. However, additional research has shown a disruption of breeding activity in these areas, resulting in 100 percent mortality of chicks. Both of these studies emphasize why we need to prioritize the protection of this region.

At its meeting in October, CCAMLR must continue its efforts to create a network of MPAs in the Southern Ocean that protect more penguins and marine life. It can do this by designating MPAs in the Weddell Sea and East Antarctica and working on a plan to safeguard the Antarctic Peninsula as well.

John Weller

Congratulations, you're an Emperor penguin who lives in the Weddell Sea! Tall and regal, you have sophisticated style. You're loyal during the breeding season but are always up for a new partner next year. You are steadfast, even under the toughest conditions. Although you may appear reserved, you sometimes find that desperate times call for desperate measures.

Despite living in a highly isolated region of the icy continent, Emperor penguins are in good company. The Weddell Sea has large expanses of sea ice that harbor algae, providing food for species such as krill and other small animals. This surplus of food gives the area a huge diversity of fish, seals, whales, dolphins, and of course, penguins.

The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), an international body that manages human activities in the Southern Ocean, designated the Ross Sea marine protected area in 2016-a good first step in protecting the diversity of Antarctic marine life. At its meeting in October, CCAMLR must continue its efforts to create a network of marine protected areas (MPA) in the Southern Ocean by designating MPAs in the Weddell Sea and East Antarctica and working on a plan to protect the Antarctic Peninsula as well.

Rodolfo Werner

Congratulations, you're a Chinstrap penguin and enjoy eating crustaceans such as krill around the Antarctic Peninsula! With a striking white face and black "strap" around the chin, you stand out among penguin species. What you may lack in height you make up for in personality, and you're not afraid to do what it takes to get the job done. Although you're no stranger to conflict, you are a fiercely loyal friend and companion. Once you pick a partner, you're committed through thick and thin.

The beautiful mountainous areas and incredible biodiversity of the majestic Antarctic Peninsula make it the main tourist destination in Antarctica. Chinstraps aren't there for the sightseeing, though-they're in it for the abundant krill.

Unfortunately, scientists say, commercial fishing and the significant effects of climate change are causing a decline in krill. The Antarctic Peninsula is one of the fasteswarming areas in the world, resulting in a reduction of sea ice that is critical for krill.

The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, an international body that manages human activities in the Southern Ocean, designated the Ross Sea marine protected area (MPAs) in 2016-a good first step in protecting the diversity of Antarctic marine life. At its meeting in October, CCAMLR must continue its efforts to create a network of MPAs in the Southern Ocean by designating MPAs in the Weddell Sea and East Antarctica and working on a plan to protect the Antarctic Peninsula as well.

Ethan Norris/National Science Foundation

Congratulations, you are a Gentoo penguin enjoying life on the sub-Antarctic islands like South Georgia! Tall and gentle, you have a bright orange beak and distinctive white patch above the eye. Despite your flashy looks, you tend to be a little shy. You are loyal, though you are not necessarily looking for a long-term commitment. Your challenge: not letting others boss you around.

There are an estimated 387,000 breeding pairs of Gentoos worldwide, with the majority residing on the sub-Antarctic islands. The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists Gentoo penguins as Near Threatened with extinction. Although some colonies appear to be growing, others are declining quickly, and the impact of human activity may be to blame. The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), an international body that manages human activities in the Southern Ocean, is working to establish a network of marine protected areas (MPA) that hopefully will include the development of additional MPA proposals throughout the Gentoos' sub-Antarctic home.

The designation of the Ross Sea MPA was a good first step in protecting the diversity of Antarctic marine life. At its meeting in October, CCAMLR must continue its efforts to create a network of MPAs in the Southern Ocean by designating MPAs in the Weddell Sea and East Antarctica and working on a plan to protect the Antarctic Peninsula as well.