Seal blubber

Seal blubber is the thick, subdermal lipid layer found in seals, marine mammals of the family Phocidae. It often forms up to 25 percent of the animal’s total weight and acts as insulation. It is frequently consumed by Arctic inhabitants as a traditional energy-rich food. Because marine mammals accumulate persistent pollutants, blubber may become contaminated by organochlorine compounds such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a contamination concern for regular consumers. Traditional knowledge guides its safe and respectful use. It remains central to northern food security.