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Distribution
Weddell seals are circumpolar and widely distributed throughout the Southern Hemisphere where individuals inhabit areas of both pack ice and fast ice. Large numbers of individuals can be found on fast ice that continues on until the Antarctic shoreline, as well as in pack ice regions located offshore—near the limits of the Antarctic Convergence. . A small population has also been observed year-round in Larsen Harbor, South Georgia. Individuals have been reported wandering north of Antarctica in South America, New Zealand and south of Australia.

Conservation
Throughout the early periods of the Antarctic exploration, Weddell seals suffered dramatic declines as they were hunted for food and oil. Fortunately, populations have since recovered after the elimination of commercial hunting in the 1950s.

The effects of global climate change on Antarctic seals are still to be fully determined however, research estimates seal populations may decline as the availability of their habitat is extremely temperature sensitive thus making them potentially vulnerable.

There are no immediate threats to the Weddell seal, and the species is not listed as endangered or threatened. The Weddell seal is protected by the Antarctic Treaty and the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals.