Adventurers who opt to go on Arctic cruise holidays are often lucky enough to spot seals, including the rare ribbon seals.

And now it looks like even more could be frolicking in the icy waters as the US considers highlighting their plight by giving them endangered species status.

According to reports, the US National Marine Fisheries Service accepted a petition looking to give the status to these beautiful marine creatures.

It is also said to be reviewing the current status of ringed, spotted and bearded seals to see if they too, are in need of further protection.

Doug Mecum, the organisation's acting administrator for the Alaska region, told the Associated Press: "While the four species of ice seals in Alaska all utilise various types of sea ice habitats, they use the ice in different ways.

"Therefore, careful status reviews of each species is warranted."

Shaye Wolf, a biologist with the Centre for Biological Diversity and the lead author of the listing petition, added: "The science is really clear that all of the seals are threatened by global warming by the loss of sea ice and they all need protection."

Holidaymakers on Arctic cruise holidays can help to highlight environmental issues which threaten the habitat of these magnificent mammals.

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