Snailfish by P. Marriott
Our survey of the inner Ross Sea shelf and slope has now been successfully completed, with a total of 29 stations and 143 separate gear deployments. At least 400 different invertebrate species have been collected and nearly 75 different fish species identified.
Photo: View of Mt Herschel 45nm away. by J. Mitchell
Photo: Sunset by J. Mitchell
We finished our time on the inside of the ice barrier with a perfect Antarctic day – clear and sunny skies with great views of the distant Admiralty Ranges of Northern Victoria Land, including Mt Herschel (3335 m), Mt Sabine (3714 m) and Mt Minto (4163 m), along with great sunrises and sunsets.
Photo: Newly forming ice by J. Mitchell
It is now time to leave the inner Ross Sea. The workable area is reducing as the end of the summer season arrives and the freeze starts. Water temperatures are down to -1.85°C and new ice is becoming common. We are now starting our steam northwards through the 120 mile wide ice barrier heading towards open water where we will continue our sampling programme on the Antarctic seamounts and the abyssal plain (3000-3500 m) in the outer reaches of the Ross Sea region.
See the Science Report on CAML-Cousteau Expedition tracking page
From February until mid-March 2008, New Zealand scientists are embarking on an eight-week voyage to the Ross Sea to survey the marine environment and explore the variety of life forms (biodiversity) in the region. This is part of the Census of Antarctic Marine Life and scientists on board will also contribute to the NZ Science Learning Hub for teachers and students. Follow all CAML expeditions routes on the CAML-Cousteau Expedition tracking page.