Antarctica

• Friday, October 28th 2016 - 13:28 UTC

  Milestone agreement to create world's largest marine sanctuary in Antarctica

  

  The world's largest marine reserve aimed at protecting the pristine wilderness of Antarctica will be created after a “momentous” agreement was finally reached Friday, with Russia dropping its long-held opposition. The deal, sealed by the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) at an annual meeting in Hobart after years of negotiations, will see a massive US and New Zealand-backed marine protected area established in the Ross Sea.

• Tuesday, October 18th 2016 - 18:58 UTC

  The tiny crustacean which plays a key role in fertilizing the Southern Ocean

  

  Scientists have discovered that Antarctic krill – a tiny shrimp-like crustacean – plays a key role in fertilising the Southern Ocean with iron, which stimulates the growth of phytoplankton, the microscopic plants at the base of the marine food web. This finding is important for understanding the oceans’ capacity for carbon capture.

• Monday, October 17th 2016 - 09:34 UTC

  Global momentum to protect the Antarctic Ocean builds as international talks begin in Hobart

  

  The Antarctic Ocean Alliance is calling on nations to secure the future of the Antarctic and Southern Ocean, at the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) currently meeting in Hobart, Australia. This week, representatives from 25 governments are gathering in Hobart to address three proposed marine protected areas, amounting to more than five million square kilometers of Antarctic waters.

• Monday, October 17th 2016 - 06:28 UTC

  Uruguayan scientists on HMS Protector en route to Antarctica for a joint research project

  

  Two Uruguayan young scientists are on board Ice Patrol HMS Protector en route to the Falkland Islands and Antarctica and will be participating in a research program on human impact on the Antarctic marine environment including pollution mainly by plastic made products. Federico Weinstein and Carolina Rodríguez belong to the Faculty of Sciences and represent the resumption of long standing links between the Ice Patrol and Montevideo.

• Wednesday, September 7th 2016 - 13:14 UTC

  South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands mark Toothfish Day

  

  The Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) are celebrating Toothfish Day with a reception and quiz at Government House in Stanley, Falkland Islands.

• Wednesday, September 7th 2016 - 12:53 UTC

  Dr. Lisa Kelley, top expert in polar operations, named IAATO's Operations Manager

  

  The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) announced the appointment of Lisa Kelley as Operations Manager. IAATO Executive Director Dr. Kim Crosbie said, “Lisa has a strong background in polar operations and has actively contributed to IAATO for many years.

• Tuesday, August 16th 2016 - 21:44 UTC

  Ocean warming primary cause of glacier retreat in the Antarctic Peninsula

  

  A new study has found for the first time that ocean warming is the primary cause of retreat of glaciers on the Antarctic Peninsula. The Peninsula is one of the largest current contributors to sea-level rise and this new finding will enable researchers to make better predictions of ice loss from this region.

• Thursday, August 11th 2016 - 06:39 UTC

  After nine years “Almirante Irizar” is ready for sea tests but faces a “muddy” problem

  

  Argentina's Antarctic exploration flagship icebreaker “Almirante Irizar” is ready for the sea tests after nine years under repairs in the government's defense shipyard and hundreds of millions of dollars, but an unexpected last minute “muddy” impediment has surfaced.

• Wednesday, July 27th 2016 - 13:34 UTC

  Argentina planning tourist air tours of Antarctica beginning 2018

  

  Argentina plans to organize tourist air tours to Antarctica beginning 2018, with the government's airline, LADE, according to official sources from the Tourism and Defense ministries.

• Tuesday, July 26th 2016 - 17:33 UTC

  A recent pause in Antarctic Peninsula warming

  

  The rapid warming of the Antarctic Peninsula, which occurred from the early-1950s to the late 1990s, has paused. Stabilisation of the ozone hole along with natural climate variability were significant in bringing about the change. Together these influences have now caused the northern part of the peninsula to enter a temporary cooling phase.