The scientific name for harp seals is Pagophilus groenlandicus, which literally translates as “the ice lover from Greenland” — an apt name for seals that rely on pack ice in the North Atlantic and Arctic to survive. Highly migratory, these seals follow Arctic sea ice as it expands and contracts throughout the year.

The greatest threat to harp seals is climate change, which is causing the sea ice they rely on to disappear. Pups can drown in melting ice floes or be crushed by chunks of falling ice. In 2007, more than 75% of pups in Canada perished because of poor ice conditions. In 2010, almost none survived.

From cradle to grave, plastic emits greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. Entanglement in plastic fishing gear like gillnets and trawls can lead to severe injuries and death. Commercial hunting, vessel strikes, chemical contaminants, oil spills, and energy exploration are all significant threats to these adorable bundles of blubber.