As we hit the middle of January 2018, we’re now already over halfway through the Macca summer season!
This past two weeks has seen much activity across the Island, with science projects being completed and new projects commencing, the arrival and departure of summer expeditioners, and visits from three tourist ships.
Science–wise, both the recent azorella and remediation projects have been now been completed, with both projects teams successfully achieving season objectives. For both teams, their hard work now turns to analysis and reporting of their respective results upon return to Australia.
A new multi-partner climate and ecosystems science project has commenced this week. Led by scientists from the Australian Antarctic Division and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, the new project is focused on examining how climate and ecosystems have changed globally over the last 2000 years via collection and analysis of various air, water, and sediment samples from Macquarie Island. Two field assistants will be undertaking this important work on Macca over the next eight weeks.
The continuing summer science project – the post eradication ecosystem response project – now boasts an additional field member on island. Along with their continuing focus on Macca birdlife, the project will now also focus on the sampling of invertebrates across the island.
As mentioned above, the last two weeks have seen the departure and arrival of new personnel. In total, we have waved goodbye to five summer expeditioners and welcomed three new personnel. In addition, our shores have remained busy servicing the visits of three tourist vessels over the last week.
Finally, in between work, we’ve all enjoyed celebrating two expeditioner birthdays, a farewell for our departing summer members, and a welcome for our new expeditioners!
With everyone happy, well, and busy, we're looking forward to continuing our great summer.
By Kyle (Station Leader)