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Last night we conducted a MIDOC trawl in light pack ice as we approached within 30nm of Drygalski Island. Although MIDOC is a midwater trawl system which we only take to 1000m depth, there was minor cause for concern as the Antarctic continental shelf rose up to meet the trawl. Consequently, the bathymetric echo-sounder was monitored throughout the operation in case we encountered any uncharted rises. In the end, we cleared the bottom by more than 500m but we did catch a bit of ice in the net on recovery which will require minor net repairs and give our gear officers, Matt, Gerry and Pud, a chance to employ their knitting skills. Further CTD and Trace Metals dips were also carried out afterwards.
This morning we encountered more pack ice as we looked for further opportunities for target trawls. Not enough to impede the ship but certainly enough to make it difficult to deploy the RMT.
We are now heading northwest back out into the deep waters of the Princess Elizabeth trough and then continuing on in a straight line (weather permitting) for 475nm up onto Gribb and then BANZARE bank. We will be crossing our voyage track made on the 27th January and sampling all the way.
Another MIDOC coming up shortly.
YIKLA!
Lloyd 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.