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Yesterday afternoon we stopped the vessel and conducted another ice reconnaissance flight, which once again proved its weight in gold. Leads that were not visible from the vessel were visible from the higher elevations the helicopter could offer and after packing the helicopter away we did a u-turn, changed course for about 3.5nm and then started the long transit through ever thinning ice until the lead become more open water with a scattering of pancake ice. It was a very spectacular run out of this pancake ice yesterday afternoon and evening with plenty of Minke whales spotted by the large crown gathering on the bridge.
Early this morning we cleared the actual ice edge, and we took this opportunity to slow the ship down and do some trawling for Krill. For many years the AAD has been running a Krill research project that is designed to focus on obtaining life history information that can be used in managing the Krill fishery, which is the largest Antarctic fishery. These studies will enable scientists to gain key information on the impact of climate change on key aspects of Krill biology and ecology. The trawling we did this morning did result in us collecting just over 50 live Krill, which are now being cared for in one of the ship’s laboratories which has been set up as an aquarium for the Krill. The focus now will be keeping our new passengers happy and well until we return to Hobart, where they will then be transferred to a larger aquarium at the AADs Head Office in Kingston. So welcome aboard to our new V6 passengers!
Once the trawling was finished and equipment packed away, we commenced our long transit back to Hobart. We have over 2660nm in a direct straight line from our current position to Hobart... not that we are counting the miles down or anything. We have a large number of birds following our progress at the moment, and we continue to sight Minke whales.
Cheers,
Deepy and Brett
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.