The seals and birds were to be killed along an ocean transect between Bouvet Island and the coast of Dronning Maud Land in eastern Antarctica, so analysis of their livers could be carried out by scientists from the Akvaplan-NIVA institute. Dr. Prestrud said he had no doubt it was ethically acceptable to kill the animals. Still, he confirmed the Norwegian Ministry of the Environment had rejected the application, and the work was cancelled. The main reason for their decision seems to be the fear of a political storm after several international environmental organisations and media have made inquiries about the project to the ministry. Dr. Prestrud said he was surprised by the reaction of some environment groups, but Greenpeace welcomed the decision.
Leopard seal rests on Antarctic ice.
In the Arctic, researchers have documented effects of organic pollutants on polar bears and glaucous gulls including immune deficiency and changes in sex hormones. Dr. Prestrud said there were clear indications the polar bear population was in trouble, although it had not yet been possible to pinpoint reasons why. The work in Antarctica would have helped scientists gain insights into transport and accumulation of organic pollutants at both poles, he said. Lacking regional sources of organic pollutants, Antarctica's levels are lower. But existing evidence shows there may have been effects on individuals' physiology and biochemistry around the southern continent.