In addition to maintaining positive energy balance, crabeater
seals in this study were in good condition. Body composition
and blubber depth measurements obtained during autumn and
winter fall in the upper range in what has been measured in
other polar phocids (Table 2). Additionally they are in similar
condition to crabeater seals studied in Marguerite Bay in the
1960s and 1970s. Seals in our study were on average heavier
(245.5 kg) that seals in the 1970s (200–220 kg; Laws et al.,
2003). The earlier study was conducted in February and early
March so the difference is likely due to the fattening period
indicated by the blubber depth data.