By: Kimberly Johnston, Class of 2026

Figure 1:  Gentoo penguin with chicks at Port Lockroy, Antarctica.

Antarctic tourism has raised concerns about the effects of human disturbance on gentoo penguins during their breeding season, which coincides with peak tourist activity. For example, the movement of zodiacs used to transport tourists ashore can disrupt the penguins’ normal routes and foraging areas. However, quantifying the effects of tourism on gentoo penguin populations has proven challenging due to the concurrent stressors of climate change and krill fishing. The closure of Port Lockroy, a popular tourism destination, during the COVID-19 pandemic presented a unique opportunity to isolate and study the human influence on gentoo penguin breeding behavior. 

A study led by Clare M. Flynn, a Stony Brook PhD student, examined the number of nesting gentoo penguins before, during, and after the closure of the Port Lockroy post office.  

Utilizing RPAS (remotely piloted aircraft system) imagery, the researchers examined the number of penguin nests in the “unvisited,” “moderately visited,” and “highly visited” areas of the island during the 2018/19, 2020/21, and 2021/22 breeding seasons. The analysis revealed a notable increase in nesting gentoo penguins across all areas of Port Lockroy during the pandemic, especially in the moderately and highly visited areas. Upon the reopening of the post office, the penguin population reverted to near pre-pandemic size. These findings suggest that human activity affects where gentoo penguins choose to nest. 

Current restrictions, which limit daily visitation, are insufficient to prevent disruption of gentoo penguin breeding patterns. It is crucial to consider the timing of tourism activities, as gentoo penguins may be less likely to abandon their nests due to human disturbance if they have already established them before seasonal tourism begins. Furthermore, while gentoo penguins appear to adapt to human disturbances through redistribution to less visited locations, it is unknown whether other species of penguins in the Antarctic share these capabilities. Continued research is necessary to ensure a sustainable coexistence between tourism and wildlife conservation efforts.

Citation:

[1] Flynn, C., Hart, T., Clucas G., et al. “Penguins in the anthropause: COVID-19 closure drive gentoo penguin movement among breeding colonies.” Biological Conservation (2023) doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2023.110318 

[2] Image retrieved from: https://www.flickr.com/photos/liamq/6066123952