The environmental activist vessel Bandero collided with the Norwegian krill harvester Antarctic Sea near Antarctica, damaging its hull. Initially deemed accidental, the Captain Paul Watson Foundation later asserted it was deliberate, aiming to disrupt krill fishing and protect marine ecosystems. Aker QRILL maintains that their operations do not significantly harm krill stocks.
The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is enhancing its decarbonization efforts with the RRS Sir David Attenborough, which is set to operate on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) during its Antarctic voyage. This initiative aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions, aligning with BAS’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040.
The krill fishery off Antarctica has surged this year, prompting the CCAMLR to close the season early. With a catch of 620,000 tonnes in just six months, concerns about ecosystem impact have risen. Experts urge precautionary management to protect marine predators reliant on krill, highlighting the risks of intensified competition.
The RMS St. Helena, a beloved vessel, connected the remote island of Saint Helena until its retirement in 2018. After serving various roles, it was announced in 2024 that the ship would be repurposed for expedition cruises, offering unique adventures to the Antarctic Peninsula, blending history with modern exploration.
HX, formerly known as Hurtigruten Expeditions, has partnered with the University of Tasmania to offer a training program for Antarctic cruise passengers. This program allows guests to learn about Antarctic science from leading researchers. Participants can access the online course from anywhere in the world and receive a certificate upon completion.
New research from British and American scientists reveals that the melting of Antarctica’s Thwaites Glacier will accelerate due to tidal action, potentially destabilizing the entire West Antarctic Ice Sheet. Dubbed “Doomsday,” the glacier’s collapse could raise sea levels significantly. Despite efforts to reduce emissions, the outlook remains grim, with unforeseen dynamics hastening its deterioration.
