QUESTION:
Has the Petrel population increased because of the increase in the
seal population?

        From Mrs. Squicciarini's 5th grade class in West Babylon, 
        Long Island, New York.

ANSWER from Dr. Bill Fraser, Ecologist,  Palmer Station, Antarctica
            Wed, 19 Feb 1997 16:43:48 -0500

Dear Fifth Graders and Mrs. Squicciarini,

That might certainly be part of the story, as the petrels are
scavengers.  However, these petrels, just like some of the
seals, also prefer ice-free habitats, and we certainly are
getting many more years without a lot of sea ice.

Thanks for your question!

Bill