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Today started well with beautiful calm seas and great visibility. As we spotted the ice bridge at the opening of the Ross Sea we were greeted by sightings of many humpback whales lazing close to the ice presumably after feasting on krill overnight. Interestingly many of the humpback groups were cows and small calves.
We skirted east to find a way through the ice and then once through we headed west following an acoustic bearing to blue whales. Unfortunately the bearings took us back into the heavier ice so our speed slowed to two or three knots. Again the fabulous acoustic team put us in the right spot despite meandering to avoid the larger floes. But sadly just as our observers called “large blows ahead” a snow storm engulfed the ship reducing visibility to less than 100m and that’s how it stayed for the rest of the day – very frustrating.
We are now heading north and then east back to the vocal and large blue whale hotspot. We are hoping these whales are not quite so fond of the thicker ice. The forecast is not great for tomorrow but perhaps we’ll be able to assess the ice situation around the whales and also at the remaining trawl sites.
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.