Antarctica

Friday, November 6th 2020 - 09:16 UTC
RRS James Clark Ross left Harwich for summer mission in Antarctica

The RRS James Clark Ross left the Port of Harwich on Thursday beginning its five-and-a-half-month mission to deliver scientific and operational staff to Antarctica and to resupply the UK stations in Antarctica for another year.
Tuesday, October 27th 2020 - 08:44 UTC
Polar associations agree on standards for field staff on expedition cruise vessels

Two polar associations have developed standards for field staff working on expedition cruise vessels in polar regions. The Association of Arctic Expeditions Operators, AECO, and the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators, IAATO, agreed on guidelines that have been adopted as industry standards.
Friday, October 23rd 2020 - 09:14 UTC
South Georgia message to potential visitors, “If you can get here, we are open”

During the uncertain times, the pandemic has presented, the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands were glad to be able to speak directly to tourism industry representatives last August during a virtual meeting hosted by IAATO, reports the August/September South Georgia Newsletter.
Thursday, October 22nd 2020 - 08:50 UTC
Britain's new polar ship Sir David Attenborough begins sea trials

Britain's new polar ship, RRS Sir David Attenborough, has left her Merseyside construction yard. Sirens and accompanying tugboats marked the Attenborough's departure from builder Cammell Laird's wet dock at Birkenhead. Four years in the making, the £200m vessel is about to venture out on a series of sea trials.
Tuesday, October 20th 2020 - 09:38 UTC
CCAMLR: 287 women scientists call for a Marine Protected Area in western Antarctic Peninsula

Climate change and human activity are harming Antarctica and threatening wildlife from humpback whales to microscopic algae, more than 280 scientists and conservation experts say in urging protections for the icy region.
Wednesday, October 14th 2020 - 09:26 UTC
Ozone hole over Antarctica peaks at 24 million square kms, the highest for the last decade

The annually occurring ozone hole over the Antarctic is one of the largest and deepest in recent years. Analyses show that the hole has reached its maximum size. The 2020 ozone hole grew rapidly from mid-August and peaked at around 24 million square kilometers in early October. It now covers 23 million km2, above average for the last decade, and spreading over most of the Antarctic continent.
Monday, October 12th 2020 - 09:11 UTC
Icebreaker “donation” for Argentina? Australia's “Aurora Australis”?

According to reports in the Argentine media next November the Australian flagged icebreaker Aurora Australis will be docking in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, and then head for Buenos Aires where, allegedly, she will be incorporated to the Argentine navy fleet and will be participating next to ARA Almirante Irizar in the 2020/21 Antarctica campaign.
Friday, October 2nd 2020 - 09:00 UTC
IAATO Antarctic fellowship for a scientist to research micro-plastic in aquatic systems

The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP), have announced one of the recipients of the Antarctic Fellowship 2020.
Wednesday, September 2nd 2020 - 08:00 UTC
South Georgia launches Macaroni penguin 50 pence coin

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Government have announced the launching of the penultimate 50 pence coin in the penguin series, which features the macaroni penguin.
Monday, August 31st 2020 - 09:38 UTC
South Georgia announces the launching of a 'Visitor's Guide' film narrated by Sir David Attenborough

The Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) is excited to announce the launch of its new film ‘South Georgia – A Visitor’s Guide’, narrated by Sir David Attenborough. The film (*) has two key messages; firstly, it encourages visitors to respect and protect the island so their visit can be truly sustainable, but there is another message which is relevant to us all; proof that nature can recover, if we give it the chance.