On September 17th Natalie Storm was selected to be part of the Weddell Seal Research Team for the 2025 field season! Natalie will be taking a short break from elephant seal research in Santa Cruz, California to join a small crew of field biologists in Antarctica's Erebus Bay from October to December to study Weddell Seals during the annual pupping season. This amazing opportunity is no small feat: Natalie was selected from a pool of nationwide candidates to join researchers from Montana State University and become one of 0.0125% of the world population to visit Antarctica.

Unfortunately, due to the fast turnaround before her departure and public sector uncertainty, funds for essential cold weather gear are limited. During Natalie’s stay, Antarctica temperatures will reach a high of just 32°F, with lows dropping below -7°F. The team’s daily research activities will take them more than an hour away from base on snowmachine to the exposed fast ice where weddell seals haul out through holes in the ice. There, they will work for several hours in the wind, beating sun, and cold temperatures.

Donating to this fund will help Natalie purchase essential cold weather gear to keep her warm and safe during this trip and (hopefully) future trips to Antarctica. Your support, big or small, is greatly appreciated! Thank you for helping make Natalie’s marine biology dreams a reality!

*All donors will receive a limited-edition, signed picture of Natalie on her Antarctica adventure upon her return!*

Learn more about the Weddell Seal Program here: https://weddellsealscience.com/project.html