Ecosystems team

We study how climate change and human activities affect polar marine life.

What we do

We investigate entire ecosystems—from microbes to whales.

From small to large polar ocean scales, our research predicts how ecosystems will respond to environmental changes. This work informs conservation strategies and government policy.

Our team has three research groups:

• Ocean Ecosystems: focusing on organisms living in open water, such as krill, copepods, and deep-dwelling myctophid fish

• Higher Predators: studying penguins, flighted birds, seals, and whales

• Conservation & Management: examining human and natural impacts on Southern Ocean ecosystems

These groups work together, combining multidisciplinary expertise and international partnerships to advance globally important research.

Team Priorities

Life cycles of polar species

We evaluate the life-cycles, distribution, and abundance of key species.

Ecosystem structure and function

We study how biology, chemistry, and physical processes interact to shape ecosystems.

Impacts of variability and change

We investigate how individual species and entire ecosystems respond to environmental drivers, including climate change, pollution and commercial fishing.

Ecosystem modelling

We build models to understand the operation of polar ocean ecosystems.

Conservation in areas of rapid change

We use insights on climate and harvesting impacts to develop sustainable management strategies.

Technology and training

Our team:

• conducts large-scale field experiments from ships and land stations.

• deploys advanced autonomous systems for biological, ecological, and oceanographic studies.

• use genetics, biogeochemistry, oceanography, and climate science to build integrated understanding

• analyses long-term datasets and develops targeted numerical models

International leadership

We engage with the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR), including specialist groups such as SCARFish (fish stocks), SKEG (krill biology), EG-BAMM (birds and marine mammals) and SPEG (ocean plastics).

We work with the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) to understand human impacts on Southern Ocean ecosystems.

We lead the Integrating Climate and Ecosystem Dynamics (ICED) programme, linking polar ecosystem research to Intergovernmental Panels on Climate Change and Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPCC and IPBES).

We also contribute to:

• Integrated Marine Biosphere Research (IMBER)

• Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR)

• Future Earth

• Global Ocean Acidification Observation Network (GOA-ON)

Developing conservation policy for the Southern Ocean

We provide scientific advice to UK government departments including the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) on conservation and management of the Southern Ocean.  That advice supports the UK engagement with a range of international treaty organisations including the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), the International Whaling Commission (IWC) and the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatross and Petrels (ACAP, part of the Convention on Migratory Species).

Ecosystems scientists lead the UK’s scientific input to meetings of CCAMLR, including representing the UK at meetings of CCAMLR’s Scientific Committee and its working groups.

Research applications

Our team:

• maintains globally important long-term monitoring at key locations on land and at sea
• conducts large-scale field experiments from ships and land stations
• deploys advanced autonomous systems for biological, ecological, and oceanographic studies
• uses genetics, biogeochemistry, oceanography, and climate science to build integrated understanding
• analyses long-term datasets and develops targeted numerical models

Featured project

Biogeochemical processes in polar ecosystems

BIOPOLE studies how climate change is affecting the release of nutrients from the polar regions, and their redistribution around the world’s oceans.

1. Albatrosses from Space

   Albatrosses face multiple threats to their long-term survival. Using very high-resolution satellites, we are able to estimate the number of breeding pairs in remote locations.

   Read more of: Albatrosses from Space

   

2. Biogeochemical processes in polar ecosystems

   BIOPOLE studies how climate change is affecting the release of nutrients from the polar regions, and their redistribution around the world’s oceans.

   Read more of: Biogeochemical processes in polar ecosystems

   

3. Bycatch risk of wandering albatrosses from radar detection

   The overall objective of this project is to link habitat preference, at-sea activity patterns and detections from novel bird-borne radars to quantify interactions of tracked wandering albatrosses with legal and IUU fishing vessels.

   Read more of: Bycatch risk of wandering albatrosses from radar detection

   

4. Plastic’s hidden cost to our climate

   CUPIDO aims to address: what is the role of zooplankton in promoting the transport of plastic in the ocean? And how this plastic transport interferes with zooplankton’s ability to store carbon in the deep ocean?

   Read more of: Plastic’s hidden cost to our climate

   

5. Higher Predators – Long-Term Science

   Higher Predators carries out long-term science to measure changes in Antarctic ecosystems. The aim is to understand the processes that drive these changes.

   Read more of: Higher Predators – Long-Term Science

   

6. KRILLBASE

   KRILLBASE compiles and shares circumpolar data on Antarctic krill and salps. The project supports research, fisheries management, and conservation across the Southern Ocean.

   Read more of: KRILLBASE

   

7. Long term monitoring of plastics

   This project monitors plastics and debris in Antarctic and sub-Antarctic ecosystems, tracking impacts on seabirds, marine mammals, and coastal environments.

   Read more of: Long term monitoring of plastics

   

8. Oceanographic models for the Scotia Sea

   Development of regional models to examine the detailed oceanography of island shelves and surrounding regions.

   Read more of: Oceanographic models for the Scotia Sea

   

9. Parasites in Antarctic Krill

   Understanding krill-parasite interactions helps predict krill population dynamics. It also improves models of Antarctic ecosystem function.

   Read more of: Parasites in Antarctic Krill

   

10. Long-term zooplankton monitoring at South Georgia

    The main deliverable of the Western Core Box (WCB) is a consistent unique time series of mesoscale distribution and abundance of macro-zooplankton and micronekton, and an understanding of the physical environment they are within at South Georgia, South Atlantic (1996 – current).

    Read more of: Long-term zooplankton monitoring at South Georgia

    

11. Science-Policy Challenges in Polar Conservation and Management

    The British Antarctic Survey and the Cambridge Conservation Initiative (CCI) are convening a series of half day workshops focused on the science-policy interaction within highly topical conservation and management issues.

    Read more of: Science-Policy Challenges in Polar Conservation and Management

    

12. Scotia Sea open-ocean biological laboratories

    SCOOBIES makes long-term observations of key Earth system indicators in the Southern Ocean. These observations are vital for both UK and global science.

    Read more of: Scotia Sea open-ocean biological laboratories

    

13. Skua monitoring at Rothera

    Long-term monitoring helps scientists understand how wildlife responds to environmental changes. Skuas are top predators, so their breeding success reflect wider ecosystem conditions.

    Read more of: Skua monitoring at Rothera

    

14. Spatial Segregation of Seabirds at South Georgia

    Tracking and monitoring of seabirds e.g. wandering albatrosses and white-chinned petrels at South Georgia to support conservation.

    Read more of: Spatial Segregation of Seabirds at South Georgia

    

15. Wildlife from Space

    Many populations of wildlife are remote, inaccessible or difficult to monitor. The advent of sub-metre, Very-High-Resolution (VHR) satellite imagery has enabled us study these animals in a much more efficient way.

    Read more of: Wildlife from Space

    

16. Winter Krill at South Georgia

    The winter krill project monitors Antarctic krill and predator overlap around South Georgia. Research informs conservation and ecosystem management.

    Read more of: Winter Krill at South Georgia

    

1. Scientists study whales and fish to protect South Georgia’s marine ecosystem

   scientists are focusing on two major projects: one on whales and their consumption of krill (a shrimp-like creature that’s abundant in the Southern Ocean), and another on populations of bottom-dwelling fish.

   Read more of: Scientists study whales and fish to protect South Georgia’s marine ecosystem

   

2. 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 

   

3. Whale-ship strikes reduced if 2.6% of ocean made safer

   A new study examines the risk to whales from ship strikes – the leading cause of death worldwide for the species.

   Read more of: Whale-ship strikes reduced if 2.6% of ocean made safer

   

4. Drones and images from space count elephant seals

   A team of researchers are using drones and satellite images from space to count southern elephant seals on the sub-Antarctic Island of South Georgia.

   Read more of: Drones and images from space count elephant seals

   

5. Antarctica’s sea ice could impact seabirds’ food supply

   Antarctica’s rapidly receding sea ice could have a negative impact on the food supply of seabirds that breed hundreds of miles away from the continent.

   Read more of: Antarctica’s sea ice could impact seabirds’ food supply

   

6. Penguins test positive for Avian Flu on South Georgia

   Penguins on the sub-Antarctic Islands of South Georgia have tested positive for Avian flu. This is the first time the virus has been detected in gentoo and king penguin populations on the islands.

   Read more of: Penguins test positive for Avian Flu on South Georgia

   

7. Avian flu now detected in albatrosses on South Georgia

   Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) continues to affect the wildlife on the subantarctic islands of South Georgia. The latest results from samples taken from the islands reveal that the disease has now been detected in the wandering albatross.

   Read more of: Avian flu now detected in albatrosses on South Georgia

   

8. Sailbuoy Ahoy! Uncrewed surface vessel launched in South Georgia

   Scientists studying krill in the sub-Antarctic have successfully completed a three-day mission using a Sailbuoy uncrewed surface vessel (USV). This mission marks the first Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) approved deployment of a USV for science around South Georgia.

   Read more of: Sailbuoy Ahoy! Uncrewed surface vessel launched in South Georgia

   

9. New science facility to unveil mysteries of animal life in Antarctica

   The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) will build a new unique science facility at its UK Cambridge headquarters, enabling scientists to understand how organisms that live in cold polar environments evolved and the impact of environmental change on these special ecosystems.

   Read more of: New science facility to unveil mysteries of animal life in Antarctica

   

10. Avian flu continues to affect wildlife on South Georgia

    Testing for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) continues on the subantarctic island of South Georgia since it was detected in October 2023. The latest results from samples taken from the islands reveal that the disease has now been detected in elephant and fur seals.

    Read more of: Avian flu continues to affect wildlife on South Georgia

    

11. Additional cases of Avian Flu confirmed on South Georgia

    Last month, October 2023, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) was confirmed on Bird Island, South Georgia in the brown skua populations.

    Read more of: Additional cases of Avian Flu confirmed on South Georgia

    

12. New threat to Antarctic fur seals

    Antarctic fur seals that were hunted to near extinction have recovered but now face dangerous decline because of a lack of food, new research suggests.  

    Read more of: New threat to Antarctic fur seals

    

13. Left or right winged? Handedness in diving northern gannets

    A new study of northern gannets has found that individual birds are left or right winged. The study, published in in Biology Letters, is the first to demonstrate ‘handedness’ in seabirds while hunting.

    Read more of: Left or right winged? Handedness in diving northern gannets

    

14. Loss of sea ice causes catastrophic breeding failure for emperor penguins

    Emperor penguin colonies experienced unprecedented breeding failure in a region of Antarctica where there was total sea ice loss in 2022.

    Read more of: Loss of sea ice causes catastrophic breeding failure for emperor penguins

    

15. Bird diet sampling helps uncover the lives of living fossils

    Researchers have discovered a flesh-eating fish is in major decline – by looking at the stomach content of some of the world’s largest bird, albatrosses. The Patagonian Lamprey, Geotria macrostoma, […]

    Read more of: Bird diet sampling helps uncover the lives of living fossils

    

16. Sea butterfly life cycle threatened by climate change

    Shelled pteropods, commonly known as sea butterflies, are increasingly exposed to ocean changes, but some species are more vulnerable to this threat. In a new study, published this month (11 […]

    Read more of: Sea butterfly life cycle threatened by climate change

    

17. Scientists track the epic flight of fledged albatross

    Scientists are tracking a group of young black-browed albatross, who have begun their first epic journeys across the Southern Ocean. In April 2023, 26 young black-browed albatross on Bird Island […]

    Read more of: Scientists track the epic flight of fledged albatross

    

18. First images of giant iceberg from Brunt Ice Shelf

    ANTARCTICA – 13 March 2023. British Antarctic Survey (BAS) has released the first aerial pictures of the massive A81 iceberg that calved from the Brunt Ice Shelf in late January. […]

    Read more of: First images of giant iceberg from Brunt Ice Shelf

    

19. RRS Sir David Attenborough begins polar science trials

    The UK’s new polar ship RRS Sir David Attenborough begins its polar science trials in Antarctica this week. A team of 30 national and international scientists, engineers and technical staff […]

    Read more of: RRS Sir David Attenborough begins polar science trials

    

20. ‘Walrus detectives’ sought for conservation science

    This week (17 January) British Antarctic Survey and WWF are inviting the public to become ‘walrus detectives’ and get involved in the Walrus from Space project to help with vital […]

    Read more of: ‘Walrus detectives’ sought for conservation science

    

21. Research shows ‘danger zones’ for wandering albatrosses

    Over half of wandering albatrosses breeding on Bird Island, in the sub-Antarctic, encounter fishing vessels when feeding, putting them at risk of being accidentally caught or killed in fishing gear, […]

    Read more of: Research shows ‘danger zones’ for wandering albatrosses

    

22. Calling for ‘Walrus Detectives’ on World Walrus Day

    Today, 24 November 2022, marks World Walrus Day, and British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and WWF are inviting the British public to become ‘walrus detectives’ and get involved in their Walrus […]

    Read more of: Calling for ‘Walrus Detectives’ on World Walrus Day

    

23. Study hints at how fishes in the twilight zone evolved

    A new study, led by British Antarctic Survey and the University of Bristol, provides the first evidence that a controversial evolutionary process may be responsible for lanternfishes becoming one of […]

    Read more of: Study hints at how fishes in the twilight zone evolved

    

24. BBC’s Frozen Planet II: science into television

    In 2011, Frozen Planet gave BBC viewers an unprecedented insight into life in the Poles. The final episode featured British Antarctic Survey (BAS) glaciologist Dr Andy Smith using explosives to […]

    Read more of: BBC’s Frozen Planet II: science into television

    

25. New kit enables study of microplastics in the ocean

    New equipment designed by British Antarctic Survey is helping scientists to study the impact of microplastics in the ocean. The Ocean Plastic Incubator Chamber (OPIC) exposes various types of plastics […]

    Read more of: New kit enables study of microplastics in the ocean

    

26. Mysterious lives of sharks and rays revealed  

    Scientists have unlocked the mysteries of how shark and ray species move up and down the ocean water column, in efforts to better understand them and protect their future.    […]

    Read more of: Mysterious lives of sharks and rays revealed  

    

27. Success for krill survey in South Georgia

    The second of six winter krill surveys in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands is underway. The first winter krill survey was completed successfully on board the South Georgia […]

    Read more of: Success for krill survey in South Georgia

    

28. Study sheds light on penguin evolution

    Scientists have reconstructed more than 60 million years of evolutionary history to reveal how penguins became oceanic birds. An international team of 40 researchers analysed the genomes – the complete […]

    Read more of: Study sheds light on penguin evolution

    

29. Scientists begin work counting Arctic walrus

    Researchers are heading to the Arctic to begin fieldwork to study walrus populations for the next stage in the Walrus from Space project.

    Read more of: Scientists begin work counting Arctic walrus

    

30. Funding addresses environmental challenges

    British Antarctic Survey (BAS) scientists will investigate critical challenges facing the UK, thanks to new funding from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). A £47m investment to several UK research […]

    Read more of: Funding addresses environmental challenges

    

31. More fish in ‘twilight zone’ than previously thought

    A new study highlights there could be up to four times more fish in the mesopelagic, or ‘twilight’, zone of the Southern Ocean than previously thought. Scientists at British Antarctic […]

    Read more of: More fish in ‘twilight zone’ than previously thought

    

32. Antarctic seabird faces declining populations

    Data collected from a long-term study by British Antarctic Survey (BAS) scientists shows declining populations of an already relatively rare Antarctic seabird, the South Georgia shag.  Published in the journal […]

    Read more of: Antarctic seabird faces declining populations

    

33. Improving climate projections in the Polar Regions

    The Polar Regions play a crucial role in balancing global climate – with the poles heating up much faster than the rest of the world. Yet, climate projections for these […]

    Read more of: Improving climate projections in the Polar Regions

    

34. Space technology and artificial intelligence to monitor whale mass stranding events

    An international team of scientists led by British Antarctic Survey have published research today on using new technology to study mass stranding of whales from space and how the technology […]

    Read more of: Space technology and artificial intelligence to monitor whale mass stranding events

    

35. Hungry humpbacks: New surveys show an abundance of humpback whales on their South Atlantic feeding grounds following whaling ban

    Humpback whale populations are strongly recovering on their feeding grounds in the South Atlantic, with over 24,543 whales now estimated to use polar waters in the Scotia Arc each summer. […]

    Read more of: Hungry humpbacks: New surveys show an abundance of humpback whales on their South Atlantic feeding grounds following whaling ban

    

36. WALRUS FROM SPACE: Animal spotters wanted to join mass survey!

    British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and WWF are seeking the public’s help to search for walrus in thousands of satellite images taken from space, with the aim of learning more about […]

    Read more of: WALRUS FROM SPACE: Animal spotters wanted to join mass survey!

    

37. Plastic pollution and ocean acidification reduce Antarctic krill development

    Plastic pollution combined with ocean acidification hinders the development of Antarctic krill in the Southern Ocean, research published today (4 August 2021) in Marine Frontiers reveals. Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) […]

    Read more of: Plastic pollution and ocean acidification reduce Antarctic krill development

    

38. Climate change risk to emperor penguins

    British Antarctic Survey scientists have contributed to a new study published today (3 August)  which provides valuable new data highlighting how emperor penguins extinction risk is increased due to rapid […]

    Read more of: Climate change risk to emperor penguins

    

39. Acoustic research sheds new light on whale sounds 

    Scientists from British Antarctic Survey (BAS), Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), and international collaborators have this week published the first detailed research on the sounds made by southern right […]

    Read more of: Acoustic research sheds new light on whale sounds 

    

40. Leading scientists warn of global impacts as Antarctic nears tipping points

    As governments convene for the annual Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) June 14–24, 2021, an Expert Working Group1 of leading Antarctic scientists warns that climate change is pushing this remote […]

    Read more of: Leading scientists warn of global impacts as Antarctic nears tipping points

    

41. An eye in the sky: monitoring animal colonies using drones in the subantarctic

    Scientists have conducted the first population study of penguins, seals and albatross using Unoccupied Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones on the subantarctic South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands to […]

    Read more of: An eye in the sky: monitoring animal colonies using drones in the subantarctic

    

42. End of giant iceberg A-68

    The mission to determine the impact of the giant A-68a iceberg on the important marine ecosystem of sub-Antarctic South Georgia is a success.

    Read more of: End of giant iceberg A-68

    

43. Drones ‘effective method’ for counting seabirds

    Drones, or un-crewed aerial vehicles, are helping scientists to survey remote colonies of seabirds more rapidly and efficiently than ever before. The results, which show population change in three seabird […]

    Read more of: Drones ‘effective method’ for counting seabirds

    

44. Seabirds spend nearly 40% of their time in high seas

    Albatrosses and large petrels spend 39% of their time in places where no single country has jurisdiction. The results come from a new global analysis of the year-round movements of […]

    Read more of: Seabirds spend nearly 40% of their time in high seas

    

45. Rock lobsters’ long-distance relationship

    Rock lobsters may have lived further north in the past, and may be vulnerable to climate change in the future, according to a new study published this month (March 2021). […]

    Read more of: Rock lobsters’ long-distance relationship

    

46. 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

    

47. Using AI to track whales from space

    British Antarctic Survey (BAS) scientists will work with an Artificial Intelligence company after being awarded a contract from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to support the protection of an endangered […]

    Read more of: Using AI to track whales from space

    

48. Giant iceberg mission begins

    A research mission to determine the impact of the giant A-68a iceberg on one of the world’s most important ecosystems departs from Stanley in the Falkland Islands today (2 February […]

    Read more of: Giant iceberg mission begins

    

49. Penguins benefit from extended maritime zone

    Gentoo penguins are benefiting from a newly enlarged no-fishing zone (known as a No-Take Zone NTZ) around the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia following British Antarctic Survey (BAS) tracking research […]

    Read more of: Penguins benefit from extended maritime zone

    

50. Krill provide a highway for ocean carbon storage

    Large krill swarms in the Southern Ocean could help remove additional carbon from the atmosphere, in a way that is currently ‘hidden’ in global models. Scientists knew that the carbon-rich […]

    Read more of: Krill provide a highway for ocean carbon storage

    

51. Blue whales return to South Georgia after near extinction

    An international research team led by UK scientists has revealed the return of critically endangered Antarctic blue whales to the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia, 50 years after whaling all […]

    Read more of: Blue whales return to South Georgia after near extinction

    

52. BAS feeds into designation of new ocean sanctuary

    The UK Prime Minister has announced today (Friday 13 November) a new Marine Protected Zone around the overseas territory of the island of Tristan da Cunha. The move is part […]

    Read more of: BAS feeds into designation of new ocean sanctuary

    

53. Humpback whales return to South Georgia

    A new study shows the welcome return of humpback whales to the waters around the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia after a century of commercial whaling decimated their populations. The […]

    Read more of: Humpback whales return to South Georgia

    

54. A68 iceberg heads towards South Georgia

    An iceberg is heading towards the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia. A68a – the size of the UK county of Somerset – broke off from the Larsen C ice shelf […]

    Read more of: A68 iceberg heads towards South Georgia

    

55. Research priorities for effective krill management

    An international ‘Krill Action Group’, including experts from the British Antarctic Survey, has identified several research priorities to advance the understanding of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) and improve the management […]

    Read more of: Research priorities for effective krill management

    

56. Antarctic krill take refuge from climate change

    New research shows that Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba), a key link in the Southern Ocean food web, have refuges from the rapid climatic warming and ice loss that has degraded […]

    Read more of: Antarctic krill take refuge from climate change

    

57. Scientists discover new penguin colonies from space

    A new study using satellite mapping technology reveals there are nearly 20% more emperor penguin colonies in Antarctica than was previously thought. The results provide an important benchmark for monitoring […]

    Read more of: Scientists discover new penguin colonies from space

    

58. Monitoring whales from space

    Scientists have found that studying high-resolution images of whales from space is a feasible way to estimate their populations. A team, led by British Antarctic Survey (BAS), compared satellite images […]

    Read more of: Monitoring whales from space

    

59. Antarctic sea ice loss explained in new study

    Scientists have discovered that summer sea ice in the Weddell Sea area of Antarctica has decreased by one million square kilometres – an area twice the size of Spain – […]

    Read more of: Antarctic sea ice loss explained in new study

    

60. Wind beneath their wings – study finds albatrosses fine-tuned to wind conditions

    A new study of albatrosses has found that wind plays a bigger role in their decision to take flight than previously thought, and due to their differences in body size, […]

    Read more of: Wind beneath their wings – study finds albatrosses fine-tuned to wind conditions

    

61. Migratory secrets of recovering whale species

    Scientists have discovered where a whale species that feeds around the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia breeds during the winter months. This understanding of where the animals migrate from will […]

    Read more of: Migratory secrets of recovering whale species

    

62. Increase in winter warm spells in UK temperature records

    Warm winter spells have increased in frequency and duration two- to three times over since 1878, according to a new study published this week (6 May 2020). In a new […]

    Read more of: Increase in winter warm spells in UK temperature records

    

63. Plastic Pollution reaching Antarctica

    Food wrapping, fishing gear and plastic waste continue to reach the Antarctic. Two new studies into how plastic debris is reaching sub-Antarctic islands are published in the journal Environment International. […]

    Read more of: Plastic Pollution reaching Antarctica

    

64. Fellowship success for leaders of the future

    UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has announced its latest round of Future Leaders Fellowships today (23 April 2020). Congratulations to Dr Dan Jones and Dr Clara Manno of British Antarctic […]

    Read more of: Fellowship success for leaders of the future

    

65. Return of the whales to South Georgia

    A team led by British Antarctic Survey has just returned from the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia, as the last of three expeditions to investigate the recovery of whales a […]

    Read more of: Return of the whales to South Georgia

    

66. Protecting seabirds and mammals

    A new study published this week (7 January 2020) identifies a need for fishery managers to adopt clear objectives for the protection of seabirds and mammals. It is published in […]

    Read more of: Protecting seabirds and mammals

    

67. 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

    

68. Antarctica. BBC blockbuster Seven Worlds, One Planet

    Antarctica – BBC NHU blockbuster

    Read more of: Antarctica. BBC blockbuster Seven Worlds, One Planet

    

69. Stranded whales detected from space

    A new technique for analysing satellite images may help scientists detect and count stranded whales from space. Researchers tested a new detection method using Very High Resolution (VHR) satellite images […]

    Read more of: Stranded whales detected from space

    

70. Study recommends special protection of emperor penguins

    In a new study published this week (Wednesday 9 October) in the journal Biological Conservation, an international team of researchers recommends the need for additional measures to protect and conserve […]

    Read more of: Study recommends special protection of emperor penguins

    

71. Antarctic krill use ‘hotspots’ for their young

    New research, published this week (24 July 2019) in the journal PLOS ONE, shows how Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba), a key species in the Southern Ocean food web, choose different […]

    Read more of: Antarctic krill use ‘hotspots’ for their young

    

72. Antarctic species in the face of a changing ocean

    A new study reveals how marine life around Antarctica will fare in an ocean which has declining levels of oxygen. Writing in the journal Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society […]

    Read more of: Antarctic species in the face of a changing ocean

    

73. Fishing hotspots show where sub-Antarctic seabirds at risk

    A new study highlights that sub-Antarctic seabirds are most at risk from unsustainable fishing during the southern hemisphere winter and in the south Atlantic and Southwest Indian Oceans. The link […]

    Read more of: Fishing hotspots show where sub-Antarctic seabirds at risk

    

74. “Catastrophic” breeding failure at one of world’s largest emperor penguin colonies

    Researchers at British Antarctic Survey have discovered “catastrophic” breeding failure at one of world’s largest emperor penguin colonies.

    Read more of: “Catastrophic” breeding failure at one of world’s largest emperor penguin colonies

    

75. Krill swarms responsible for ‘hidden’ carbon storage

    Large krill swarms in the Southern Ocean could help remove additional carbon from the atmosphere, in a way that is currently ‘hidden’ in global models. The new study is published […]

    Read more of: Krill swarms responsible for ‘hidden’ carbon storage

    

76. Antarctic krill population contracts southward as polar oceans warm

    The population of Antarctic krill, the favourite food of many whales, penguins, fish and seals, shifted southward during a recent period of warming in their key habitat, new research shows. […]

    Read more of: Antarctic krill population contracts southward as polar oceans warm

    

77. New funding uses seabirds as sentinels of South Atlantic

    British Antarctic Survey scientist Professor Richard Phillips has been awarded funding to use newly developed radar-detecting tags to track the interactions between wandering albatrosses and fishing vessels in the South […]

    Read more of: New funding uses seabirds as sentinels of South Atlantic

    

78. Seabird populations on Antarctic Peninsula unexpected

    Results of a new study on Antarctic seabirds shows a larger percentage of their populations inhabit important nesting sites around Ryder Bay, close to British Antarctic Survey’s Rothera Station than […]

    Read more of: Seabird populations on Antarctic Peninsula unexpected

    

79. Watching whales from space

    Scientists have used detailed high-resolution satellite images provided by Maxar Technologies’ DigitalGlobe, to detect, count and describe four different species of whales. Reported this week in the journal Marine Mammal […]

    Read more of: Watching whales from space

    

80. Scientists join policy makers to discuss conservation

    BAS marine researchers join nearly 300 international delegates at the annual meeting of the Convention on the Conservation or Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) beginning in Hobart today. For the […]

    Read more of: Scientists join policy makers to discuss conservation

    

81. Study of penguin colonies at Antarctic island shows decline

    Results from a 21-year study into the breeding success of gentoo penguins at a well-known tourist site in Antarctica, reveal a 25% reduction in breeding pairs and a decrease of […]

    Read more of: Study of penguin colonies at Antarctic island shows decline

    

82. State of the Polar Oceans report published

    Report published July 2018

    Read more of: State of the Polar Oceans report published

    

83. Science meetings on conservation of Southern Ocean

    Science meetings of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) take place over the next two weeks (starting 2 July 2018) at the Cambridge Headquarters of […]

    Read more of: Science meetings on conservation of Southern Ocean

    

84. In old age, efficiency is key to successful parenting

    Old albatrosses that are more efficient at finding food during migration are more likely to successfully raise young, new research shows. A study led by the British Antarctic Survey, in […]

    Read more of: In old age, efficiency is key to successful parenting

    

85. New insight into an enigmatic Antarctic apex predator

    Scientists from British Antarctic Survey (BAS) have, for the first time, tracked the lives of leopard seals as they migrate around Antarctica. The team followed these formidable predators as they […]

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86. Special issue on how oceans are changing

    The seas around the Antarctic Peninsula are biologically extremely rich, but are climatically sensitive, having experienced some of the fastest warming globally in recent decades. A special issue of the […]

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87. Warming oceans could put seabirds out of sync with prey

    Seabirds may struggle to find food for their chicks as they are unable to shift their breeding seasons as the climate warms, a new study suggests. Rising sea temperatures in […]

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88. Research mission to Larsen C Ice Shelf thwarted by sea ice

    Heavy sea ice conditions have thwarted a science mission from reaching the Larsen C Ice Shelf in Antarctica from which a large iceberg broke off in July 2017. A team […]

    Read more of: Research mission to Larsen C Ice Shelf thwarted by sea ice

    

89. Sea butterflies repair shell damage from ocean acidification

    A new study of tiny marine snails called sea butterflies shows the great lengths these animals go to repair damage caused by ocean acidification. The paper, led by researchers at […]

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90. Lanternfish reveal how ocean warming impacts the twilight zone

    A new study from the British Antarctic Survey shows how lanternfish, small bioluminescent fish, are likely to respond to the warming of the Southern Ocean. Lanternfish are one of the […]

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91. Expedition to ‘health-check’ Southern Right Whales

    An international team of researchers, led by British Antarctic Survey (BAS), travels to the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia this month (January) to carry out the first scientific whale survey […]

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92. New Year Honours for British Antarctic Survey scientist

    Our congratulations go to Dr Phil Trathan who has been made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to Southern Ocean science and conservation. Dr […]

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93. Krill behaviour takes carbon to the ocean depths

    A new study shows that Antarctic krill behave in a way that could accelerate the transport of atmospheric carbon to the deep ocean. Antarctic krill form some of the highest […]

    Read more of: Krill behaviour takes carbon to the ocean depths

    

94. Albatrosses in decline from fishing and environmental change

    The populations of wandering, black-browed and grey-headed albatrosses have halved over the last 35 years on sub-antarctic Bird Island according to a new study published today (20 November) in the […]

    Read more of: Albatrosses in decline from fishing and environmental change

    

95. Study sheds new light on krill larvae survival

    An international study involving British Antarctic Survey (BAS) scientists has shed light on how the larvae of Antarctic krill – small shrimp-like crustaceans – use sea ice to ensure their […]

    Read more of: Study sheds new light on krill larvae survival

    

96. BBC Blockbuster Blue Planet II returns

    Blue Planet II – the nature documentary that explores the deepest and darkest realms of the world’s oceans – is back on the BBC some 16 years after it was […]

    Read more of: BBC Blockbuster Blue Planet II returns

    

97. New study calls for unified research to understand changing ecosystems

    A new multidisciplinary study led by scientists at British Antarctic Study (BAS) stresses the need for an integrated approach to understand the effects of climate change on Antarctic marine ecosystems. […]

    Read more of: New study calls for unified research to understand changing ecosystems

    

98. Science cruise departs ahead of Discovery Investigations anniversary

    Today the royal research ship RRS Discovery will depart Southampton for an ambitious science expedition to the ocean around South Georgia. This expedition will take place almost 100 years after […]

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99. Zooplankton resilient to long-term warming

    Temperature plays an important role in the distribution of ocean plankton communities and has the potential to cause major distribution shifts, as recently observed in the Arctic. A new study […]

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100. 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 […]

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101. New study reveals what penguins eat

     The longest and most comprehensive study to date of what penguins eat is published this month. The study, published in the journal Marine Biology, examines the diets of gentoo penguins […]

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102. FEATURED PAPER: Ecosystem Services

     Intensifying pressures from fisheries, habitat destruction, pollution and climate change are driving global declines in marine biodiversity. Despite widespread conservation efforts there is a growing argument that traditional approaches have […]

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103. Conservation plans to protect the albatross

     The UK Overseas Territory of South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands is this week launching an ambitious conservation effort to help protect the albatross. South Georgia is a globally important […]

     Read more of: Conservation plans to protect the albatross

     

104. Special feature highlights the value of biodiversity

     Scientists agree that meeting the ever-increasing needs of the Earth’s human population while maintaining biological diversity is one of the greatest challenges of our time. Despite bold international commitments, biodiversity […]

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105. UK welcomes agreement on largest Marine Protected Area

     HOBART, Australia: The world’s experts on Antarctic marine conservation have this week agreed to establish a marine protected area (MPA) in Antarctica’s Ross Sea. At the meeting of the Commission […]

     Read more of: UK welcomes agreement on largest Marine Protected Area

     

106. Study shows mixed fortunes for Signy penguins

     A forty year study on a remote Antarctic island shows that while populations of two penguin species are declining, a third is increasing. Analysis of census data from Signy Island […]

     Read more of: Study shows mixed fortunes for Signy penguins

     

107. Nature’s ocean fertiliser

     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 […]

     Read more of: Nature’s ocean fertiliser

     

108. Review of threats to seabirds

     A review of breeding distributions, population trends, threats and key priorities for conservation actions on land and at sea for the 29 species covered by the Agreement on the Conservation […]

     Read more of: Review of threats to seabirds

     

109. Albatrosses use different regions when on migration

     A new study of the movements of sub-Antarctic albatrosses tracked from two remote islands some 5,000 km apart, shows that although the birds from each breeding site take similar routes around the Southern Ocean, they forage in different areas for the majority of the time. The results are published this month in the Nature journal Scientific Reports.

     Read more of: Albatrosses use different regions when on migration

     

110. PRESS RELEASE: Antarctic seabird in decline

     New research shows decline in population and breeding success of Antarctic seabird A fifty year study of the charismatic seabird, the southern giant petrel, on the Antarctic island of Signy […]

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111. 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

     

112. NEWS STORY: Assessing seabird communities

     Antarctic seabird community structure remains unaffected by changes in food availability A new study of sub-Antarctic seabirds shows that their community structure (how they co-exist and share resources) is unaffected […]

     Read more of: NEWS STORY: Assessing seabird communities

     

113. NEWS STORY: Grant for penguin project

     BAS scientists awarded grant to study penguins’ reliance on krill Norwegian and British scientists are to take part in a research project to determine how dependant non-breeding penguins are on […]

     Read more of: NEWS STORY: Grant for penguin project

     

114. NEWS STORY: Explaining sea lion decline

     The southern sea lion population of the Falkland Islands witnessed a dramatic decline during the last century with numbers falling by 95 per cent between the 1930s and 1960s. It […]

     Read more of: NEWS STORY: Explaining sea lion decline

     

115. NEWS STORY: Bird tracking aids seabird research

     Bird tracking technology reveals future climate may affect seabird feeding behaviour A two year study of shags on the Isle of May National Nature Reserve in Scotland reveals that when […]

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116. PRESS RELEASE: Scent matters to fur seals

     Antarctic fur seals have unique ‘scent profile’ to recognise their pups Researchers studying Antarctic fur seals have discovered their scent has a unique ‘profile’ which enables them to recognise their […]

     Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Scent matters to fur seals

     

117. NEWS STORY: New study uncovers how petrels co-exist

     New study uncovers how petrels in sub-Antarctic co-exist during the winter For the first time, scientists understand more clearly how birds living on the remote sub-Antarctic island of Bird Island […]

     Read more of: NEWS STORY: New study uncovers how petrels co-exist

     

118. NEWS STORY: New Antarctic conservation assessment

     Prince Albert II of Monaco supports Antarctic conservation assessment HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco recently closed a historic meeting of biodiversity and Antarctic experts, convened for three days in […]

     Read more of: NEWS STORY: New Antarctic conservation assessment

     

119. NEWS STORY: Petrels followed on feeding trips

     Petrels tracked across the Oceans Staff at British Antarctic Survey (BAS) are following the journeys of White-chinned Petrel fledglings as they make their first journeys over the South Atlantic Ocean […]

     Read more of: NEWS STORY: Petrels followed on feeding trips

     

120. NEWS STORY: Antarctic fur seals monitored

     New study tracks feeding behaviour of Antarctic fur seals in winter During the Antarctic Summer female fur seals feed in the waters around their breeding breaches. In winter, when their […]

     Read more of: NEWS STORY: Antarctic fur seals monitored

     

121. NEWS STORY: Penguin colonies once limited

     Survival of the fittest – genetics reveals where emperor penguins survived the last ice age During the last ice age, when much of the Antarctic coastline was uninhabitable due to […]

     Read more of: NEWS STORY: Penguin colonies once limited

     

122. NEWS STORY: Age does not wither

     Does age matter? Maybe not if you’re a wandering albatross A new study of the wandering albatrosses breeding on the sub-antarctic island of Bird Island (off South Georgia) reveals that […]

     Read more of: NEWS STORY: Age does not wither

     

123. NEWS STORY: Satellites spot seabird poo!

     Seabird poo has unique spectral signature visible from satellite images Scientists have discovered that penguin and seabird poo (guano) from colonies around the Antarctic Peninsula has a unique spectral signature […]

     Read more of: NEWS STORY: Satellites spot seabird poo!

     

124. 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

     

125. PRESS RELEASE: Penguin trends analysed

     Risks to penguin populations analysed A major study of all penguin species suggests the birds are at continuing risk from habitat degradation. Writing in the journal, Conservation Biology, a group […]

     Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Penguin trends analysed

     

126. PRESS RELEASE: Fur seal genetics and climate change

     Genetic study shows major impact of climate change on Antarctic fur seals Genetic analysis of Antarctic fur seals, alongside decades of in-depth monitoring,* has provided unique insights into the effect […]

     Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Fur seal genetics and climate change

     

127. NEWS STORY: Icebergs leave their mark

     Climate related iceberg activity has massively altered life on the seabed Researchers from the British Antarctic Survey have found evidence that climate change has fundamentally altered the way that life […]

     Read more of: NEWS STORY: Icebergs leave their mark

     

128. NEWS STORY: Ancestral penguins studied

     Rise and fall of prehistoric penguin populations charted The British Antarctic Survey has been involved in a study of how penguin populations have changed over the last 30,000 years. This […]

     Read more of: NEWS STORY: Ancestral penguins studied

     

129. NEWS STORY: Bridging the gap in the krill debate

     Event: Understanding the objectives for krill fishing and conservation in the Scotia Sea and the Antarctic Peninsula Region Convened by the British Antarctic Survey, ICED and WWF WWF’s Living Planet […]

     Read more of: NEWS STORY: Bridging the gap in the krill debate

     

130. PRESS RELEASE: Penguins monitored with tags

     Electronic tags provide 10 years worth of penguin data A team of scientists, led by researchers from the British Antarctic Survey, has used tiny electronic tags to study the decline […]

     Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Penguins monitored with tags

     

131. PRESS RELEASE: New whale subspecies

     Humpback whale subspecies revealed by genetic study A new genetic study has revealed that populations of humpback whales in the oceans of the North Pacific, North Atlantic and Southern Hemisphere […]

     Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: New whale subspecies

     

132. PRESS RELEASE: Antarctic emperor penguins

     Antarctic emperor penguins may be adapting to warmer temperatures A new study of four Antarctic emperor penguin colonies suggest that unexpected breeding behaviour may be a sign that the birds […]

     Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Antarctic emperor penguins

     

133. NEWS STORY: Fishing limits to be discussed at meeting

     CCAMLR underway in Hobart The annual gathering of international Antarctic scientists and policy makers is under way at Hobart in Australia. Twenty-five delegations from around the world have arrived in […]

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134. NEWS STORY: Antarctic experts gather in Australia

     World’s Antarctic marine experts converge on Hobart Hobart’s annual gathering of international Antarctic scientists and policy makers is underway. Twenty-five flags flying outside the offices of the Commission for the […]

     Read more of: NEWS STORY: Antarctic experts gather in Australia

     

135. PRESS RELEASE: Evidence of life in frozen sediments

     Life found in the sediments of an Antarctic subglacial lake for the first time Evidence of diverse life forms dating back nearly a hundred thousand years has been found in […]

     Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Evidence of life in frozen sediments

     

136. 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

     

137. PRESS RELEASE Age and Antarctic clams

     Age matters to Antarctic clams A new study of Antarctic clams reveals that age matters when it comes to adapting to the effects of climate change. The research provides new […]

     Read more of: PRESS RELEASE Age and Antarctic clams

     

138. NEWS STORY: Age no barrier for albatrosses

     Saving the best for last – wandering albatrosses” last push for successful parenting Romanticised in poetry, the wandering albatross is famed for its enormous wing-span and long life. The bird […]

     Read more of: NEWS STORY: Age no barrier for albatrosses

     

139. PRESS RELEASE: British team to explore buried lake

     British team set to access and sample one of the last unexplored environments on Earth This week (12 December) a British team of scientists and engineers, including scientists from British […]

     Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: British team to explore buried lake

     

140. PRESS RELEASE: Effects of ocean acidification

     First evidence of ocean acidification affecting live marine creatures in the Southern Ocean The shells of marine snails – known as pteropods – living in the seas around Antarctica are […]

     Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Effects of ocean acidification

     

141. PRESS RELEASE: Mission to Antarctic buried lake

     British team set to embark on ambitious Antarctic mission to penetrate & sample ancient buried lake After 16 years of planning the countdown is on for one of the most […]

     Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Mission to Antarctic buried lake

     

142. PRESS RELEASE: Penguins surveyed from space

     Scientists count penguins from space A new study using satellite mapping technology reveals there are twice as many emperor penguins in Antarctica than was previously thought. The results provide an […]

     Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Penguins surveyed from space

     

143. 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

     

144. PRESS RELEASE: Krill’s key role in oceans

     Antarctic krill help to fertilise Southern Ocean with iron A new discovery reveals that the shrimp-like creature at the heart of the Antarctic food chain could play a key role […]

     Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Krill’s key role in oceans

     

145. PRESS RELEASE: Deep sea mystery solved

     New discovery – Copepods share “diver’s weight belt” technique with whales A deep-sea mystery has been solved with the discovery that the tiny 3 mm long marine animals, eaten by […]

     Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Deep sea mystery solved

     

146. PRESS RELEASE: Island haven for sea life

     Study reveals most biologically rich island in Southern Ocean The first comprehensive study of sea creatures around the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia reveals a region that is richer in […]

     Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Island haven for sea life

     

147. PRESS RELEASE: Census of Marine Life

     Event: A Decade of Discovery: Census of Marine Life — News Conference Venue: Royal Institution, London Date: Monday 4 October: 12.30 – 16.30 Findings from a major international investigation into […]

     Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Census of Marine Life

     

148. PRESS RELEASE: Terns clock up the miles

     Arctic terns confirmed to have the longest animal migration in the world New information on bird migration is revealed by an international team of scientists who have confirmed that the […]

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1. Surveying seabirds on South Georgia to support conservation

   In this blog, science data manager Sarah Manthorpe describes her recent fieldwork survey of seabirds in the Southern Ocean. As I’m sitting here counting albatrosses from my desk, it feels […]

   Read more of: Surveying seabirds on South Georgia to support conservation

   

2. How many penguins are in Antarctica?

   No, it’s not a Penguin joke! This World Penguin Day (25 April 2023) we spoke to some of our resident experts, Mike Dunn and Peter Fretwell, to find out more […]

   Read more of: How many penguins are in Antarctica?

   

3. Blog: Mission to investigate A68a iceberg

   Preparations are underway: a team of researchers are quarantining in the Falkland Islands before they begin their mission on board RRS James Cook bound for the giant A68a iceberg. The […]

   Read more of: Blog: Mission to investigate A68a iceberg

   

4. Wandering albatross tracking at Bird Island

   Alexandra Dodds is albatross zoological field assistant at the British Antarctic Survey Bird Island Research Station in South Georgia. The team have been working hard over the austral winter, conducting […]

   Read more of: Wandering albatross tracking at Bird Island

   

5. 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 […]

   Read more of: PODCAST – Iceworld, Episode 6 – Underwater

   

6. Isolated winter fieldwork on Bird Island

   Albatross zoological field assistant Alexandra Dodds shares experiences of the isolated winter fieldwork at British Antarctic Survey (BAS) Bird Island Research Station in South Georgia. The team are conducting important […]

   Read more of: Isolated winter fieldwork on Bird Island

   

7. Guest Blog – Petrels on Round Island, Mauritius

   PhD student Kirsty Franklin reports on her fieldwork on Round Island, Mauritius, working in collaboration with British Antarctic Survey. In the blog below, Kirsty shares how she is going to […]

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8. Blog: Blue whale comeback at South Georgia!

   BAS biologist Dr Jennifer Jackson shares exciting updates from the wild water whales expedition. The BAS wild water whales team have spent 25 days surveying whales in South Georgia waters. […]

   Read more of: Blog: Blue whale comeback at South Georgia!

   

9. Tracking Guillemots with Project LOMVIA

   The Project LOMVIA team continue their work tracking guillemots of the remote cliff of Látrabjarg, Iceland. Post-doctoral researcher Dr Anne-Sophie Bonnet-Lebrun explains more. Tagging and tracking seabirds Our fieldwork is […]

   Read more of: Tracking Guillemots with Project LOMVIA

   

10. Carrying the PRIDE message to the ends of the earth

    BLOG. Biologist Huw Griffiths shares his personal experience of research as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. 

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11. Tracking seabird species in Iceland

    After the initial reconnaissance expedition in 2018, this June Project LOMVIA  – part of the NERC Changing Arctic Ocean Programme begins in earnest (read more about last year’s work here). […]

    Read more of: Tracking seabird species in Iceland

    

12. Monitoring penguins in the South Atlantic

    Norman Ratcliffe, a seabird biologist at British Antarctic Survey (BAS), studies the biology of seabirds and how this is impacted by climate change. Read this blog to find out about […]

    Read more of: Monitoring penguins in the South Atlantic

    

13. Fur seals in the Falklands – Part 3

    Kayleigh Jones, a seal biologist at British Antarctic Survey, travelled to the Falkland Islands to spend 6 weeks studying South American fur seals. This blog describes how the team studied […]

    Read more of: Fur seals in the Falklands – Part 3

    

14. Fur seals in the Falklands – Part 2

    Kayleigh Jones, a seal biologist at British Antarctic Survey, travelled to the Falkland Islands to spend 6 weeks studying South American fur seals. Read on to find out about camp […]

    Read more of: Fur seals in the Falklands – Part 2

    

15. Fur seals in the Falklands – Part 1

    Kayleigh Jones, a seal biologist at British Antarctic Survey, travelled to the Falkland Islands to spend 6 weeks studying South American fur seals. Read on to find out about her […]

    Read more of: Fur seals in the Falklands – Part 1

    

16. ISLAND SCIENCE: Living in Harmony

    Four people, two tents, a lot of smelly penguins and boil-in-the-bag army rations. That pretty much sums up life at Harmony Point, Nelson Island, South Shetland Islands during January and […]

    Read more of: ISLAND SCIENCE: Living in Harmony

    

17. A fishy business around South Georgia

    In this blog Dr Mark Belchier from British Antarctic Survey (BAS) explains why a team of experts visits King Edward Point biennially to carry out a survey of the fish […]

    Read more of: A fishy business around South Georgia

    

18. Signy Island: Water and Ice

    I wish I could tell you how dramatically isolated we feel here – how the expanse of an ocean that swirls the entire circumference of the planet and stands between […]

    Read more of: Signy Island: Water and Ice

    

19. Shedding light on lanternfish

    By Dr Geraint Tarling Lanternfish are found in many of the world’s oceans and get their name from the numerous photophores (light organs) that occur all over their bodies. Also […]

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20. ANTARCTIC BLOG: Typical week at Bird Island Station

    Tim Morley, Zoological Field Assistant at Bird Island, shares a typical week at Bird Island Research Station as he prepares for midwinter…. With many of our species finishing breeding for […]

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21. SHIP BLOG: Heading for home

    The ship’s science labs have all been packed up and cleaned, kit boxes stowed in the container, cargo paperwork finished and cruise reports written. The SO-AntEco team is ready to […]

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22. 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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23. ANTARCTIC BLOG: The many “hats” of a polar scientist

    Life on Signy Island has been pretty hectic for the last couple of weeks with multiple ship visits, saying goodbye to old colleagues, welcoming new base personnel and, in between, […]

    Read more of: ANTARCTIC BLOG: The many “hats” of a polar scientist

    

24. Search and Rescue on Bird Island

    Bird Island Research Station has a small staff team; no more than 10 in summer and just four over winter. We have no doctor on station though all staff receives […]

    Read more of: Search and Rescue on Bird Island

    

25. Life on the sub Antarctic island of South Georgia

    Life on the sub Antarctic Island of South Georgia working for BAS is an amazing experience.  South Georgia has the perfect combination of spectacular landscape and incredible wildlife. We have millions […]

    Read more of: Life on the sub Antarctic island of South Georgia

    

26. ANTARCTIC BLOG: Signy season gets underway!

    Despite being one of BAS’s smallest stations, I would argue that Signy is one of the most remote. Situated in the South Orkney Islands, at a relatively northerly 60 degrees […]

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27. ANTARCTIC BLOG: Exploring an island abundant with wildlife

    Bird Island has undergone several changes since the last diary entry in November. The summer breeding season is in full swing, and in some cases is starting to quieten down […]

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28. ANTARCTIC BLOG: Breeding season begins on Bird Island

    October is another busy month for bird work, with the feathered residents of Bird Island all returning and starting to breed. Almost all of the Northern giant petrels are now […]

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29. ANTARCTIC BLOG: Busy month for leopard seal sightings!

    Leopard seal peak The penultimate month of the lep round has been by far the most exciting. September has been the busiest month yet for leopard seal sightings. It has […]

    Read more of: ANTARCTIC BLOG: Busy month for leopard seal sightings!

    

30. ANTARCTIC BLOG: Leopard seals, wanderer chicks and…superheroes?!

    When I last wrote a web diary, back in April, it was at the end of the summer season and the first few intrepid weeks of winter. It’s hard to […]

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31. Bird Island Diary — June 2010

    by Claudia Mischler, Albatross Field Assistant June here on the little island was a fantastic month. We finally got a nice thick snow layer shortly before mid-winter. The white stuff […]

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