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Yesterday water samples were collected from 7 sites at a range of distances from the large ice-berg using the Fast Rescue Craft (FRC). While sampling was happening, the Aurora Australis maintained its position down-wind and down-current to ensure there was no risk of the ship contaminating the surface waters. These samples are to be analysed for ultra-low levels of trace elements and even the presence of the ship's hull in the immediate sampling area could compromise the results. Recovery of the FRC was delayed while a mechanical problem was fixed. The ship then returned to each of the sites sampled from the FRC and took a CTD sample to be used to define the extent of influence of melt water from the iceberg. We returned to the CEAMARC canyon site just before the shift change at midnight to resume sampling with the intention of deploying the trawl mounted digital camera in a transect from 850m to 1300m. The plan was to document the transition from the abundant shallower fauna to the less diverse deeper communities and then to sample with the French beam trawl. Unfortunately, by this time the wind was too strong to maintain the ship on the correct course at the low speeds required for trawling. Prudence dictated it was time to call a halt and CEAMARC sampling officially finished at 8 minutes past midnight. Overall, 82 different sites were occupied during CEAMARC, with samples collected from at least 78 sites; well in excess of the 67 sites we had hoped for. Everyone involved is to be congratulated for putting in an enormous and sustained effort to achieve such an excellent result. Regards, Martin and Sarah.
Map
A map showing Australia and Antarctica. The map shows the journey of one voyage that has occured in the season, with each route highlighted in a distinct colour.