The influence of sea ice dynamics on population energetics of Western
Hudson Bay polar bears
Abstract
The Arctic marine ecosystem has experienced extensive changes in sea ice
dynamics, with significant impacts on ice-dependent species such as
polar bears (Ursus maritimus). We used abundance estimates, age/sex
structure, and body condition data to estimate population energy density
and storage energy in Western Hudson Bay polar bears from 1985 to 2018.
We examined intra-population variation in energetic patterns, temporal
energetic trends, and the relationship between population energetics and
sea ice conditions. Energy metrics for most demographic classes declined
over time in relation to earlier sea ice breakup, most significantly for
solitary adult females and yearlings, demonstrating their vulnerability
to nutritional stress. Population energy metrics declined significantly
over time in relation to earlier breakup and longer lagged open water
periods, suggesting multi-year effects of sea ice decline. This study
provides insights into ecological mechanisms linking population
responses to sea ice decline and highlights the utility of long-term
bioenergetics research.