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Today we spotted numerous whales in our vicinity as Nuyina transits to Davis and with that knowledge the krill team kicked into action once again. Krill is the staple diet of many animals including whales, seals, penguins, squids and seabirds and are the world's most abundant crustacean and considered a corner stone of the Antarctic ecosystem.
The system of live plankton sampling, which includes a number of krill species is done through the "wet well". The idea of a "wet well" is as might be imagined, it is a hole in the hull that can be opened and closed to catch live species including krill and zooplankton (animals that drift in the ocean) and are then maintained in an onboard aquarium. So far, during this voyage we have brought onboard over 3000 krill as well as amphipods (crustaceans of shrimp-like form), copepods, and ctenophores (comb jellies).
The aquariums maintain the fragile plankton in perfect conditions for return to Australia. This is the first field test of new tanks fitted in the aquariums for this important work and forms part of a capability that will underpin research programs at the Antarctic Division, Tasmania and further afield. This science is key to understanding and protecting the environment and managing fisheries program into the future.
Regards, Chris, Andrew and Nate
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.