Biodiversity, Evolution and Adaptation team

We study how life survives and thrives in polar and other extreme environments.

What we do

Our team explores biodiversity and how past, present, and future environmental change affects it on land and in the ocean.

We use molecular and morphological methods alongside lab and field experimental studies, and fieldwork campaigns to study polar organisms. Our PhD and postdoctoral programmes train the next generation of polar biologists.

Team Priorities

Biodiversity

We investigate how many species live at the poles, map where they live, study how ecosystems function, and assess the impacts of human activity on polar life.

By understanding the current distributions and genetics of animals, plants, and microbes, we learn about past environmental conditions and predict how life will respond to current and future changes.

Adaptations

We investigate the genetic, physiological, and ecological traits that allow species to survive in extreme environments.

We study how these specialised traits might help or hinder polar organisms as the climate warms.

International collaboration

We contribute to international biodiversity data initiatives including:

• biodiversity.aq (the Antarctic biodiversity information system)

• the Global Biodiversity Information System (GBIF)

• the Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS)

• The International Barcode of Life (iBOL)

Our team also contributes to:

• Steering groups

  • Antarctic Terrestrial and Nearshore Observing System (ANTOS)

  • Antarctic Terrestrial and Nearshore Observing System (ANTOS)
  • Antarctic Climate Change and the Environment (ACCE)

• Intergovernmental Panels on Climate Change and Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPCC and IPBES)

• Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) development council

• United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC)

• United Nations World Ocean Assessment

• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

Featured project

The Heated Settlement Panels

The heated settlement panels project tested how marine life responded to warmer oceans. The focus was on the waters of the Antarctic Peninsula, one of the fastest-warming regions on Earth

1. Larsen-C Benthos

   The Larsen-C Benthos project studied benthic biodiversity on the seabed exposed by the 2017 calving of the Larsen-C Ice Shelf.

   Read more of: Larsen-C Benthos

   

2. Using an Antarctic fungus as a wintertime biopesticide

   This project investigated whether Mortierella, a cold-tolerant Antarctic soil fungus, could replace banned chemical pesticides in controlling weevil larvae that damage UK soft fruit and forestry crops.

   Read more of: Using an Antarctic fungus as a wintertime biopesticide

   

3. Biodiversity at BAS Cambridge

   The key objective is to identify and implement management techniques which will as far as possible be sympathetic to wildlife and encourage native species, in order to sustain and enhance biodiversity at BAS Cambridge.

   Read more of: Biodiversity at BAS Cambridge

   

4. Skeleton structure, size, predation and climate change

   Understanding how the external skeleton changes in response to environmental pressures is helping us predict how a major part of the marine ecosystem (molluscs make up 23% of all marine species) will fare under climate change.

   Read more of: Skeleton structure, size, predation and climate change

   

5. Reproduction in a changing world

   Reproductive capacity and success of marine animals

   Read more of: Reproduction in a changing world

   

6. Dynamic Live Cell Imaging

   Dynamic Live Cell Imaging investigated how Antarctic marine organisms, particularly fish, function at temperatures below 0°C

   Read more of: Dynamic Live Cell Imaging

   

7. Monitoring climate change in action

   Since Near-shore Marine Biology was moved to Rothera in 1997, we have been conducting biological long-term monitoring in both the marine and terrestrial environments. These represent some of the longest continuous datasets in the Southern Ocean.

   Read more of: Monitoring climate change in action

   

8. Cold Skeletons

   Cold Skeletons investigates how extreme cold affects skeleton formation in Antarctic marine animals.

   Read more of: Cold Skeletons

   

9. Changing biodiversity

   Baseline study to monitor how marine biodiversity will respond to climate change

   Read more of: Changing biodiversity

   

10. Managing South Orkney’s seafloor communities

    SO-AntEco was a British Antarctic Survey (BAS) led expedition undertaken in conjunction with an international team of scientists from the Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research (SCAR) AntEco research programme.

    Read more of: Managing South Orkney’s seafloor communities

    

11. The Heated Settlement Panels

    The heated settlement panels project tested how marine life responded to warmer oceans. The focus was on the waters of the Antarctic Peninsula, one of the fastest-warming regions on Earth

    Read more of: The Heated Settlement Panels

    

12. European Marine Biological Research Centre

    EMBRC is a group of leading European marine research centres, which is also known as a distributed Research Infrastructure. It provides access to European coastal seas and the endemic fauna, with the addition of Antarctica via BAS.

    Read more of: European Marine Biological Research Centre

    

13. Ascension Island Marine Sustainability (AIMS)

    AIMS gathers baseline scientific data on Ascension Island’s globally important marine wildlife and fisheries to help the island government manage and conserve its marine resources.

    Read more of: Ascension Island Marine Sustainability (AIMS)

    

14. How shellfish create their shells

    CACHE-ITN pushed forward our understanding of calcium production in warmer more acidic marine environments.

    Read more of: How shellfish create their shells

    

15. Connecting Svalbard’s Earth Observation systems

    Svalbard Integrated Earth Observing System (SIOS) is an international infrastructure project. There are 26 partners from Europe and Asia involved. The essential objective is to establish better coordinated services for the International Research community with respect to access, data and knowledge management, logistics and training.

    Read more of: Connecting Svalbard’s Earth Observation systems

    

16. Carbon capture by Antarctic seabeds

    The ASCCC Project investigates, quantifies and understands the role of polar and subpolar seabeds in the carbon cycle, particularly in response to climate change.

    Read more of: Carbon capture by Antarctic seabeds

    

1. New deep-sea mollusc species co-habits with anemone 

   A new species of tusk shell, a burrowing marine mollusc, has been discovered in deep, North Atlantic waters by scientists from British Antarctic Survey and the Senckenberg Society for Nature Research.

   Read more of: New deep-sea mollusc species co-habits with anemone 

   

2. New project to unlock life’s secrets in extreme cold

   Cambridge researchers are set to explore the uncharted depths of life in the extreme cold, with findings that could reshape our understanding of biology and pave the way for future scientific breakthroughs.

   Read more of: New project to unlock life’s secrets in extreme cold

   

3. First Antarctic-wide survey of plant life to aid conservation efforts

   The first continent-wide mapping study of plant life across Antarctica reveals growth in previously uncharted areas, and is set to inform conservation measures across the region.

   Read more of: First Antarctic-wide survey of plant life to aid conservation efforts

   

4. Octopus DNA solves mystery of ice sheet’s past

   Scientists, including from British Antarctic Survey, have used octopus DNA to discover that the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) likely collapsed during the Last Interglacial period around 120,000 years ago – when the global temperatures were similar to today.

   Read more of: Octopus DNA solves mystery of ice sheet’s past

   

5. DNA Detectives: New ways to spot Southern Ocean hitchhikers

   How do you spot an invader you can’t see in a harsh and unforgiving environment? A team of international scientists are looking for new methods to defend the frozen continent […]

   Read more of: DNA Detectives: New ways to spot Southern Ocean hitchhikers

   

6. Invading insects transforming Antarctic soils

   A tiny flightless midge which has colonised Antarctica’s Signy Island is driving fundamental changes to the island’s soil ecosystem. Research by experts at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) in collaboration […]

   Read more of: Invading insects transforming Antarctic soils

   

7. Tackling climate change and biodiversity loss together

   Climate, biodiversity, and societal challenges are intrinsically linked and yet are usually viewed in isolation. A new review study, published in the journal Science this week (21st April 2023), focusses […]

   Read more of: Tackling climate change and biodiversity loss together

   

8. Warming and acidification threatens organisms

   Global warming and ocean acidification are threatening marine organisms, such as corals, bryozoans, molluscs, sea urchins or crustaceans, that build their skeletons and shells with calcium carbonate (chalk) according to […]

   Read more of: Warming and acidification threatens organisms

   

9. Learning about the first animals from life at the poles

   The amazing survival strategies of polar marine creatures might help to explain how the first animals on Earth could have evolved earlier than the oldest fossils suggest according to new […]

   Read more of: Learning about the first animals from life at the poles

   

10. Polar medals awarded to BAS staff

    Three British Antarctic Survey (BAS) staff have been awarded the Polar Medal. The announcement was published last week (Friday 28 January) in the London Gazette. Melody Clark is a molecular […]

    Read more of: Polar medals awarded to BAS staff

    

11. Invasive species ‘hitchhiking’ on ships threaten Antarctica’s unique ecosystems

    Marine life hitching a ride on ocean-crossing ships poses a threat to Antarctica’s pristine ecosystems, with the potential for invasive species to arrive from almost anywhere across the globe, say […]

    Read more of: Invasive species ‘hitchhiking’ on ships threaten Antarctica’s unique ecosystems

    

12. Abundance of life discovered beneath an Antarctic ice shelf

    Far beneath the ice shelves of the Antarctic, there is more marine life than expected, finds a recent study in the journal Current Biology, published this week (20 December 2021). […]

    Read more of: Abundance of life discovered beneath an Antarctic ice shelf

    

13. Chaotic formation of genetic islands among marine molluscs

    New research by scientists at British Antarctic Survey and Bielefeld University explains how the chaotic formation of genetic islands can occur in marine molluscs. Usually, the individuals of a population […]

    Read more of: Chaotic formation of genetic islands among marine molluscs

    

14. World’s experts report on tackling biodiversity and climate change

    A workshop report published today (10 June) by 50 of the world’s leading biodiversity and climate experts states that unprecedented changes in climate and biodiversity, driven by human activities, have […]

    Read more of: World’s experts report on tackling biodiversity and climate change

    

15. Discovery of life beneath Antarctica’s ice shelves

    Far underneath the ice shelves of the Antarctic, there’s more life than expected, finds a recent study in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science, published this week (15 February 2021). […]

    Read more of: Discovery of life beneath Antarctica’s ice shelves

    

16. Celebrating International Day of Women & Girls in Science 2021

    Today is International Day of Women and Girls in Science (11 February), a celebration of women and girls in science led by UNESCO and UN-Women. “International Day of Women and […]

    Read more of: Celebrating International Day of Women & Girls in Science 2021

    

17. Expedition to map biodiversity in Atlantic deep sea

    A British Antarctic Survey (BAS) scientist departs Germany today (8 January 2021) onboard the research vessel SONNE  to study the diversity of marine organisms in the Atlantic deep sea. Dr […]

    Read more of: Expedition to map biodiversity in Atlantic deep sea

    

18. Microplastics ‘abundant’ in remote polar seas

    New study of plastics in the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Sandwich Islands

    Read more of: Microplastics ‘abundant’ in remote polar seas

    

19. Dr Huw Griffiths awarded SCAR Medal for Education and Communication

    Please join us in congratulating Dr Huw Griffiths, Marine Biogeographer at British Antarctic Survey, who has been awarded the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) Medal for Education and Communication. […]

    Read more of: Dr Huw Griffiths awarded SCAR Medal for Education and Communication

    

20. Climate change will turn coastal Antarctica green

    Scientists have created the first ever large-scale map of microscopic algae as they bloomed across the surface of snow along the Antarctic Peninsula coast. Results indicate that this ‘green snow’ is […]

    Read more of: Climate change will turn coastal Antarctica green

    

21. Underwater Mountain Mapped in the South Atlantic

    An underwater mountain double the height of the UK’s Ben Nevis has been added to a global map of the seafloor during a research cruise to investigate the marine environment […]

    Read more of: Underwater Mountain Mapped in the South Atlantic

    

22. Invading species ‘hitches a ride’ on kelp to reach Antarctica

    Large brown seaweed can bring invasive species to Antarctica, according to research published today (31 January 2020) in the journal Scientific Reports. The new study describes the first scientific evidence […]

    Read more of: Invading species ‘hitches a ride’ on kelp to reach Antarctica

    

23. Studies highlight fragility of Antarctic ecosystems

    Two studies published in a special issue of the journal Science Advances this week (27 November 2019) highlight the fragility of the Antarctic and its ecosystems in the lead up […]

    Read more of: Studies highlight fragility of Antarctic ecosystems

    

24. Seal and penguin poo is major driver of Antarctic terrestrial biodiversity

    A new study by BAS scientists and collaborators in the Netherlands shows that seal and penguin poo is key to Antarctic biodiversity on land. By studying concentrations of nitrogen-rich guano […]

    Read more of: Seal and penguin poo is major driver of Antarctic terrestrial biodiversity

    

25. Marine research expedition sets sail for the South Atlantic

    A team of scientists set sail this week (12 March) for the remote South Atlantic islands of Tristan da Cunha and St Helena. This mission is part of BAS’ commitment […]

    Read more of: Marine research expedition sets sail for the South Atlantic

    

26. Expedition to Larsen C ice shelf thwarted by sea ice

    Sea-ice conditions have prevented the Research Icebreaker Polarstern from reaching the Larsen Ice Shelf and the calving areas of iceberg A68.

    Read more of: Expedition to Larsen C ice shelf thwarted by sea ice

    

27. Expedition heads to newly exposed Antarctic ecosystem

    An international team of scientists heads to Antarctica this week (4 February 2019) to investigate a mysterious marine ecosystem that’s been hidden beneath an Antarctic ice shelf for up to […]

    Read more of: Expedition heads to newly exposed Antarctic ecosystem

    

28. Parents help offspring adapt to climate change

    Some parents in the animal kingdom can prepare their young for environmental change, helping them cope better in new conditions, a paper published today in Nature Scientific Reports reveals. Scientists […]

    Read more of: Parents help offspring adapt to climate change

    

29. New study looks at risk to Antarctic marine life in future

    A new study of the animals living in polar oceans reveals which are most at risk from climate change. The study is published today (17 January) in Frontiers in Marine […]

    Read more of: New study looks at risk to Antarctic marine life in future

    

30. The impact of ‘alien’ species in Antarctica

    Of the known non-native or ‘alien’ species found in Antarctica, a non-biting species of midge currently presents one of the highest risks to terrestrial ecosystems, researchers have found. The preliminary […]

    Read more of: The impact of ‘alien’ species in Antarctica

    

31. Endangered native oyster helped by invasive species

    The presence of invasive oysters can support an endangered native oyster species in certain situations, a team led by a British Antarctic Survey scientist has found. The result was a […]

    Read more of: Endangered native oyster helped by invasive species

    

32. Increase in plastics reaching remote South Atlantic Islands

    The amount of plastic washing up onto the shores of remote South Atlantic islands is 10 times greater than it was a decade ago, according to new research published today […]

    Read more of: Increase in plastics reaching remote South Atlantic Islands

    

33. State of the Polar Oceans report published

    Report published July 2018

    Read more of: State of the Polar Oceans report published

    

34. Fungi respire millennium-old carbon from Antarctic soil

    Fungi in Antarctic soils release carbon that is more than a thousand years old, a team led by scientists at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) has found. This discovery sheds light on how carbon is released into the atmosphere as polar regions warm.

    Read more of: Fungi respire millennium-old carbon from Antarctic soil

    

35. Brachiopods resilient to past environmental change

    A new study concludes that a seafloor dwelling marine invertebrate is more resilient to environmental change than expected. The paper, led by researchers at British Antarctic Survey, is published today […]

    Read more of: Brachiopods resilient to past environmental change

    

36. Marine habitat maps important for Antarctica’s biodiversity

    The UK government is committed to the long-term protection of over four million km2 of the world oceans which fall within the UK’s Overseas Territories.  Prioritising which parts of the […]

    Read more of: Marine habitat maps important for Antarctica’s biodiversity

    

37. Blue mussel shape is a powerful indicator for environmental change

    Temperature, salinity and food supply are key influences on the shape of common blue mussels (Mytilus spp.), reveals a new study involving scientists from British Antarctic Survey. The research is […]

    Read more of: Blue mussel shape is a powerful indicator for environmental change

    

38. First expedition to newly exposed Antarctic ecosystem

    A team of scientists, led by British Antarctic Survey (BAS), heads to Antarctica this week (14 February) to investigate a mysterious marine ecosystem that’s been hidden beneath an Antarctic ice […]

    Read more of: First expedition to newly exposed Antarctic ecosystem

    

39. Life in the slow lane

    A new study from British Antarctic Survey shows how five common Antarctic marine invertebrates (animals without a backbone) use less energy to feed, grow and reproduce than their temperate and […]

    Read more of: Life in the slow lane

    

40. Scientists to visit hidden Antarctic ecosystem after giant iceberg calving

    A team of scientists, led by British Antarctic Survey (BAS), is planning an urgent mission to investigate a mysterious marine ecosystem that’s been hidden beneath an Antarctic ice shelf for […]

    Read more of: Scientists to visit hidden Antarctic ecosystem after giant iceberg calving

    

41. Marine snails know how to budget their housing costs

    For nearly 50 years, researchers have been stumped as to why sea shells from warm tropical waters are comparatively larger than their cold water relatives. New research, led by the […]

    Read more of: Marine snails know how to budget their housing costs

    

42. Special protection for area exposed by Larsen C iceberg

    An international agreement is now in place to give special protection to the area of ocean left exposed when one of the largest icebergs ever recorded broke free from the […]

    Read more of: Special protection for area exposed by Larsen C iceberg

    

43. More losers than winners for Southern Ocean marine life

    A new study of the marine invertebrates living in the seas around Antarctica reveals there will be more ‘losers’ than ‘winners’ over the next century as the Antarctic seafloor warms.  […]

    Read more of: More losers than winners for Southern Ocean marine life

    

44. Antarctic marine life may grow faster in a warming world

    A team of scientists has discovered that a 1°C rise in local sea temperature has massive impacts on an Antarctic marine community. These new results are published this week (31 […]

    Read more of: Antarctic marine life may grow faster in a warming world

    

45. New study explains moss migration across the globe

    A new study on mosses found in the polar regions reveals when and how often they have migrated across the Equator. Mosses are the dominant flora in Antarctica, yet little is known of […]

    Read more of: New study explains moss migration across the globe

    

46. How much carbon can polar seafloor ecosystems store?

    One of the best-known impacts of climate change is the loss of sea ice in the Arctic, but also in parts of the Antarctic: the poles are increasingly turning from […]

    Read more of: How much carbon can polar seafloor ecosystems store?

    

47. Plastic pollution in the Antarctic worse than expected

    The levels of microplastic particles accumulating in the Antarctic are much worse than expected, a team of experts has warned. The continent is considered to be a pristine wilderness compared […]

    Read more of: Plastic pollution in the Antarctic worse than expected

    

48. Poor outlook for Antarctic biodiversity

    An international study involving scientists from British Antarctic Survey (BAS) has debunked the popular view that Antarctica and the Southern Ocean are in a much better environmental shape than the […]

    Read more of: Poor outlook for Antarctic biodiversity

    

49. New study on how shellfish create their shells

    A new study describing how shellfish create their shells in response to their environment is published today (Wednesday 8 February) in the journal Royal Society Open Science. The shells of […]

    Read more of: New study on how shellfish create their shells

    

50. Study of roundworm that returns to life after freezing

    The first molecular study of an organism able to survive intracellular freezing (freezing within its cells) is published this week by British Antarctic Survey (BAS), in collaboration with researchers from […]

    Read more of: Study of roundworm that returns to life after freezing

    

51. FEATURED PAPER: Icebergs and blue carbon

    When divers laid a grid of 225 markers on the seabed it started one of the longest marine disturbance experiments anywhere in the world. Surveyed and replaced annually, they show […]

    Read more of: FEATURED PAPER: Icebergs and blue carbon

    

52. New study puts shells under spotlight

    A new study on how molluscs build their shells in the sub-zero waters of Antarctica is published today (Friday 11 November) in the journal Scientific Reports. A team of European […]

    Read more of: New study puts shells under spotlight

    

53. Polar ecologist prepares for the ice – Blog no. 1

    New blog from ecologist Jes Bartlett who’s heading to spend the summer working at Signy Island Research station. Here she talks about preparing cargo in her blog: The Cargo Deadline […]

    Read more of: Polar ecologist prepares for the ice – Blog no. 1

    

54. Subantarctic seabed creatures and past climate

    A new marine biodiversity study in one of the largest Marine Protected Areas in the world reveals the impact of environmental change on subantarctic seabed animals and answers big questions […]

    Read more of: Subantarctic seabed creatures and past climate

    

55. Shellfish study published this month

    New technologies and techniques used in a scientific study of the shells of oysters, mussels, clams and scallops reveal clues about how these commercially valuable species may fare in a changing world, and how discarded shells from the aquaculture industry could benefit the environment.

    Read more of: Shellfish study published this month

    

56. FEATURED PAPER: Battling bryozoans

    This paper shows that, contrary to long-held ideas, the intensity of competition (density of direct, physical spatial contests) differs little with latitude. However, the severity of competition (contests with a […]

    Read more of: FEATURED PAPER: Battling bryozoans

    

57. NEWS STORY: Fighting for space on the seabed

    New research highlights differences between the tropics and the poles Rivalry between species is common the world over as animals fight for territory and resources such as food. But, according […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: Fighting for space on the seabed

    

58. On the ice opportunity for PhD students and Early Career Researchers

    16 PhD students and Early Career Researchers have a unique opportunity to gain practical skills for working safely and effectively in the polar regions.

    Read more of: On the ice opportunity for PhD students and Early Career Researchers

    

59. PRESS RELEASE: New season – ambitious science

    New season tackles ambitious science and logistical challenges The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) 2015/16 field season is underway with dozens of scientists and support staff – together with planes and tonnes […]

    Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: New season – ambitious science

    

60. NEWS STORY: Changes in seabed communities

    A new study by an international team of scientists, including from British Antarctic Survey (BAS), has analysed the effects on seabed communities of glacial retreat. Writing in Science Advances this […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: Changes in seabed communities

    

61. PRESS RELEASE: Fungal diversity in Antarctic soils

    Warmer temperatures stimulate diversity of soil fungi Remote and covered by ice for much of the year the Antarctic Peninsula is home to hidden and dynamic communities of microbes that […]

    Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Fungal diversity in Antarctic soils

    

62. NEWS STORY: Antarctic life is highly diverse

    Antarctica more diverse and biologically rich than previously thought The team of scientists, led by Monash University, along with colleagues from the British Antarctic Survey, University of Waikato in New […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: Antarctic life is highly diverse

    

63. NEWS STORY: Antarctic biodiversity highlighted

    Antarctic life – highly diverse, unusually structured A new assessment by scientists, published in Nature this week, suggests Antarctica is a more diverse and biologically rich region than previously thought. […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: Antarctic biodiversity highlighted

    

64. NEWS STORY: New starfish identified

    First new family of starfish discovered in hydrothermal vents A new family of deep-sea starfish has been discovered living in the warm waters around a hydrothermal vent in the East […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: New starfish identified

    

65. PRESS RELEASE: Oceans and biofouling

    Ocean acidification changes balance of biofouling communities A new study of marine organisms that make up the ‘biofouling community’ — tiny creatures that attach themselves to ships’ hulls and rocks […]

    Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Oceans and biofouling

    

66. PRESS RELEASE: Sea urchins adapt

    Sea urchins from Antarctica show adaptation to ocean acidification A study of sea urchins from the Antarctic Peninsula has revealed an ability to adapt to changing conditions such as rising […]

    Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Sea urchins adapt

    

67. NEWS STORY: Patagonian toothfish fishery

    South Georgia Patagonian toothfish fishery recertified with flying colours Following its five-yearly Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) assessment, the South Georgia Patagonian toothfish longline fishery has, for the third time, been […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: Patagonian toothfish fishery

    

68. NEWS STORY: New critter discovered on whale carcass

    Chance discovery could be unique to whale bone habitat A new species of bug, similar in appearance to the common woodlouse, has been found plastered all over a whale carcass […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: New critter discovered on whale carcass

    

69. NEWS STORY: Understanding how ecosystems function

    Lessons from a remote Antarctic island on the vulnerability of ecosystems Scientists have carried out new research that could change the way we think about the vulnerability of ecosystems. Published […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: Understanding how ecosystems function

    

70. NEWS STORY: Volcanoes helped life survive ice ages

    New research suggests that life survived past ice ages with the help of volcanoes. An international collaboration, including scientists from the British Antarctic Survey, has found new evidence that the […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: Volcanoes helped life survive ice ages

    

71. NEWS STORY: Climate change effects on shellfish

    BAS takes the lead in ambitious science programme to aid fishing industry and monitor effects of climate change on Europe’s shellfish The supply of shellfish we buy at the supermarket […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: Climate change effects on shellfish

    

72. NEWS STORY: New marine species identified

    New species recovered from Amundsen Sea More than thirty new, and, as yet unclassified, species of marine life were discovered during a science expedition to the Amundsen Sea off Pine […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: New marine species identified

    

73. NEWS STORY: Understanding food webs

    Research on the dynamics of food webs The dynamics of food webs, networks of who-eats-whom interactions, are being highlighted in the August report of International Innovation, an open access European […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: Understanding food webs

    

74. NEWS STORY: More moss growing in Antarctica

    Moss growth in Antarctica linked to climate change Increases in temperature on the Antarctic Peninsula during the latter part of the 20th century were accompanied by an acceleration in moss […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: More moss growing in Antarctica

    

75. PRESS RELEASE: Krill risk from warming seas

    Warming Antarctic seas likely to impact on krill habitats Antarctic krill are usually less than 6 cm in length but their size belies the major role they play in sustaining […]

    Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Krill risk from warming seas

    

76. PRESS RELEASE: Lake drill mission called off

    Antarctic lake mission called off In the early hours of Christmas Day (Tuesday 25 December 2012) Professor Martin Siegert, Principal Investigator of the Subglacial Lake Ellsworth experiment, confirmed that the […]

    Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Lake drill mission called off

    

77. PRESS RELEASE: Shellfish and changing oceans

    New study helps predict impact of ocean acidification on shellfish An international study to understand and predict the likely impact of ocean acidification on shellfish and other marine organisms living […]

    Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Shellfish and changing oceans

    

78. PRESS RELEASE: Breeding habits of albatrosses

    Antarctic albatross displays shift in breeding habits A new study of the wandering albatross – one of the largest birds on Earth – has shown that some of the birds […]

    Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Breeding habits of albatrosses

    

79. ‘Lost world’ discovered around Antarctic vents

    Communities of species previously unknown to science have been discovered on the seafloor near Antarctica, clustered in the hot, dark environment surrounding hydrothermal vents. The discoveries, made by teams led […]

    Read more of: ‘Lost world’ discovered around Antarctic vents

    

80. PRESS RELEASE: Critical food supply level

    New research shows how much food is needed by seabirds An international group of scientists has shown that many seabirds begin to suffer when the food available for them in […]

    Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Critical food supply level

    

81. PRESS RELEASE: How marine animals crossed continent

    Marine animals suggest evidence for a trans-Antarctic seaway A tiny marine filter-feeder, that anchors itself to the sea bed, offers new clues to scientists studying the stability of the West […]

    Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: How marine animals crossed continent

    

82. PRESS RELEASE: Diversity of marine species detailed

    Understanding global climate change through new breakthroughs in Polar research The latest findings from research on Antarctica’s rich marine life are presented this week at the American Association for the […]

    Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Diversity of marine species detailed

    

83. PRESS RELEASE: Carbon sinks created by glacier retreat

    Antarctica glacier retreat creates new carbon dioxide store Large blooms of tiny marine plants called phytoplankton are flourishing in areas of open water left exposed by the recent and rapid […]

    Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Carbon sinks created by glacier retreat

    

84. PRESS RELEASE: Albatrosses feed with whales

    Albatross camera reveals fascinating feeding interaction with killer whale Scientists from British Antarctic Survey, National Institute of Polar Research (NIPR), Tokyo, and Hokkaido University, Japan, have recorded the first observations […]

    Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Albatrosses feed with whales

    

85. PRESS RELEASE: Continent’s diversity revealed

    First comprehensive inventory of life in Antarctica The first comprehensive “inventory” of sea and land animals around a group of Antarctic islands reveals a region that is rich in biodiversity […]

    Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Continent’s diversity revealed

    

86. PRESS RELEASE: Interactive map highlights diversity

    New visualisation of South Georgia A new visualisation tool for exploring the subantarctic islands of South Georgia is unveiled today (22 October 2008). The South Georgia Geographic Information System (SGGIS) […]

    Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Interactive map highlights diversity

    

87. Polar pecking order and biodiversity

    New research into how biodiversity is generated and maintained in the seas surrounding hostile Polar Regions is reported in this month?s Proceedings of the Royal Society (Biological Sciences). British Antarctic […]

    Read more of: Polar pecking order and biodiversity

    

1. Rothera Marine Team – Overcoming challenges

   Working in Antarctica often means making the best out of what you got. For the Rothera 2022 wintering team, this meant spending a winter without diving, which had to be […]

   Read more of: Rothera Marine Team – Overcoming challenges

   

2. Blog: Hunting for microplastics in the high Arctic

   Huw Griffiths works in the Biodiversity Team at British Antarctic Survey. As he completes fieldwork in the Canadian Arctic with colleagues Cath Waller (University of Hull) and Steve Roberts (BAS), […]

   Read more of: Blog: Hunting for microplastics in the high Arctic

   

3. BAS celebrates International Day of Women and Girls in Science

   Today, 11 February, is International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a global initiative led by UNESCO and UN-Women. To celebrate, we have asked some of our female staff […]

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4. BLOG: Global Ocean Wildlife Analysis Network

   In the latest of the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) blog series on the Global Ocean Wildlife Analysis Network, we hear from Simon Morley, British Antarctic Survey (BAS) […]

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5. BLOG: If we are serious about climate mitigation, we must do smarter ocean nature protection

   This week at Climate Exp0, Dr David Barnes, benthic marine Ecologist at British Antarctic Survey, has discussed the potential for mitigating climate change through nature-based solutions, including sharing collaborative research […]

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6. Blog: The Rothera marine team

   Nadia Frontier is the new Marine Biologist at Rothera Research Station. In her latest blog, Nadia takes us through safety training, wildlife sightings, and what it takes to dive successfully […]

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7. Blog: First experiences at Rothera

   Nadia Frontier is the new marine biologist at Rothera Research Station. In her blog below, Nadia takes us through arriving at Rothera, first impressions of the station, and Christmas celebrations! […]

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8. Blog: My ‘silver anniversary’ research cruise

   British Antarctic Survey biodiversity biologist Dr Katrin Linse is onboard German ship RV Sonne conducting a research expedition to map biodiversity in the Atlantic deep sea. In this blog, Katrin […]

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9. PODCAST – Iceworld, Episode 6 – Underwater

   Episode 6: Underwater Blue carbon capture, cold water gigantism, iceberg scouring, algal blooms…this episode covers a lot of ground! Rothera Field Guide Rob Taylor speaks with Aurelia Reichardt, Nadescha Zwerschke […]

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10. Carrying the PRIDE message to the Polar Regions

    BAS marine biogeographer Dr Huw Griffiths talks about the importance of diverse role models. He is hopeful that existing and future polar scientists will see that being yourself and being different are no barrier to working in the most extreme environments on Earth, and can be a real asset as a scientist.

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11. Warming up the Antarctic: Harder than you think

    Professor Melody Clark, Project Leader, discusses the trials and tribulations of undertaking research in Antarctica. Her latest paper published in Nature Communications shows that rising sea temperatures of just 1-2 […]

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12. Persistence and brilliant engineering

    Nadescha Zwerschke is a marine biologist, who was travelling on the RRS James Clark Ross (JCR) as part of the ICEBERGS 2 cruise in December 2018. Having left Burdwood Bank […]

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13. Blog: A research cruise and my gateway to Antarctica

    ICEBERGS2 – a research cruise and my gateway to Antarctica Nadescha Zwerschke is a marine biologist travelling on the RRS James Clark Ross to Antarctica I’ve only recently started my […]

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14. SCIENCE IN THE SEA: Ocean sampling day at Rothera

    Zoe Waring, the Rothera Marine Assistant provides us with an account of the recent Ocean Sampling Day at Rothera. Since 2012, the Rothera Marine Assistant has been collecting samples for World […]

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15. Exploring South Georgia’s seafloor fauna with SQUID

    I recently spent four-and-a-bit weeks aboard the German blue water research ship RV Meteor along with Oli Hogg, my PhD student. We took part in the “Methane South Georgia” research […]

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16. Polar ecologist prepares for the ice – Blog No 2

    New blog from ecologist Jes Bartlett who will be spending the Austral summer working at Signy Island Research station. Here she describes her pre-deployment training. Shortly after the sigh of […]

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17. SCIENCE BLOG:Penguin or sea lemon?

    Dr Melody Clark gets excited about sea snails as part of an innovative research programme to investigate how Antarctica’s animals will adapt to life in a warmer world. Penguins or […]

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18. SHIP BLOG: Science Week questions answered from the Southern Ocean

    Last week was UK Science Week, and we asked schools and anyone else who had burning questions about the Antarctic deep sea to send them to us here on the […]

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19. SHIP BLOG: Lost in a Sea of Biology

    Lost in a Sea of Biology! Dr  Laura Robinson is interested in documenting and understanding the processes that govern climate on time scales ranging from the modern day back through hundreds of […]

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20. SHIP BLOG: New Buoy at Sea!

    New ‘buoy’ at sea Oliver Ashford – a PhD student from Oxford University – is the youngest member of the SO-AntEco research cruise onboard the RRS James Clark Ross. He’s working with […]

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21. GUEST BLOG: Ready for Antarctic trip number five!

    Find out about NERC Research Fellow Dr Sian Henley’s preparations for her fifth visit to Rothera Research Station and what she looks forward to onboard the RRS James Clark Ross.

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1. Metacommunity structural changes of Antarctic benthic invertebrates over the late Maastrichtian

   Seymour (Marambio) Island, Antarctica has one of the most expanded onshore Cretaceous–Paleogene sedimentary successions in the world. The deposition of the López de Bertodano Formation (~70–65.6 Ma) covered a time of […]

   Read more of: Metacommunity structural changes of Antarctic benthic invertebrates over the late Maastrichtian