Alejandra ReyesTyler D. Watson10 March 2014Climate Change: Polar Regions and Marine MammalsAs a result of climate change, particularly rising temperatures, increased changes in sea ice and sea ice levels have occurred of the sea in the polar regions Regions. Melting ice creates a positive feedback, changing the environment more rapidly for marine mammals such as pinnipeds and cetaceans. The negative health effects of changes in their environment depend on the sensitivity of the species. Since the most noticeable effects of climate change are manifested in the polar regions, these impacts can give us clues to predict how other areas of the world and other species will potentially be affected. Environment Although the main indicator of climate change in the polar regions is the melting of sea ice, there are some other things happening to sea ice in the Arctic. In the study “Recent Sea Ice Ecosystem in the Arctic Ocean: a review,” Full names of authors Melnikov (2009) finds that sea ice is moving northward, the thickness and surface area of ​​sea ice are decreasing, and, ultimately, Open areas of ice are increasing. It is not that sea ice is disappearing entirely, but rather that it is undergoing a transition from more multiyear sea ice to more first-year, or seasonal, sea ice (57). This means that ice that has been present in the Arctic for a long time is slowly decreasing in thickness and surface area, while ice that forms in winter is becoming more frequent. The result is more open icy areas. The increase in open ice areas may affect Arctic species that rely primarily on sea ice to live. For example, ice itself serves as a barrier and surface for transportation, birthing, and moulting define these terms. It also serves as a platform for hunting, mating, and foraging, among other activities... middle of paper... habitat diversity. They breed primarily on the continental shelf along the coast or Arctic bays, but also breed in drifting ice near the coast or offshore (102). They are pelagic in the open water season where there is high biological productivity. They do not migrate but are capable of traveling long distances. Finally, they follow a diversified diet depending on the region or season. (103)Polar regions are important indicators of climate change because they produce clear and well-marked impacts. There are changes in sea ice cover, sea levels, water temperatures, ocean currents, among other impacts that directly affect marine life in those areas. Furthermore, sensitivity is increased for specialized species such as narwhals and ringed seals due to the slow reproductive rate of small populations, the dependence on specific sea ice conditions and their position in the food chain..