Nursing mothers are almost completely dependent on krill and the reproductive success of this species is, therefore, closely linked with the availability of this food resource. The breeding season of this species is from November to January. The males arrive earlier than the females to compete for territories, which will eventually hold a harem of 4-5 females. The competition is fierce and males don't feed while defending their territories on shore. Breeding incurs significant costs to the males of the species, which lose an average of 1.5 kg a day throughout the season.
Females give birth to a single young approximately two days after arrival on shore.
The females become sexually receptive 6-8 days after giving birth and then begin mating. During lactation, females spend 3-5 days feeding at sea to maintain their supply of milk. This period is followed by 1-2 days of nursing on shore. This cycle is repeated for 4 months. The lactation period is one of the shortest of all fur seals and is probably due to the harsh weather conditions and strong seasonality of the breeding area.