|
WDCS's Sarah Dolman/WDCS© set sail for the Antarctic on
January 2nd onboard the 'Aurora Australis', as part of a marine
mammal survey to monitor cetaceans, seals and sea ice in Antarctica.
The study will also monitor sea birds, ocean currents, phytoplankton
and krill, the tiny crustaceans which form the main diet for many
whales.
The 11 week expedition aims to cover over one million square kilometres
of the Southern Ocean in a largely unexplored part of the Antarctic
and is part of an ongoing study of the ecosystems of the region.
Data from the expedition will be used to better understand the
effects of climate change and the effects of the krill fishery
on the marine ecosytem.
The Aurora Australis departed Freemantle, Australia at 2pm on
the 2nd January 2006 and will return to Hobart on 14th March 2006.
Click on the blue links below to read Sarah's diary.
 A pod of 40-50 fin whales approach the boat
The team finally reaches the ice edge, encountering penguins,
Arctic terns and a group of 40 - 50 fin whales on the way!
 Orca, humpback, fin, minke and sei whales
The team encounter many different species of whales and are
accompanied by a pod of orcas as they continue their survey.
 The first Iceberg
Pilot whales, dolphins, albatross, a Barau's
petrel and the first iceberg.
 The Broke West survey
The detailed krill survey and cetacean monitoring begins.
The first days at sea
The ship sets off from Fremantle in Western
Australia.
|
