241 images Created 15 Nov 2023
Antarctic (New_2023/2024))
The polar regions are in trouble. The southern polar region represented in this gallery is suffering. The H5N1 (Avian Influenza) has reached South Georgia, a wildlife dense island northeast of Antarctica. Upon arriving there, only a few locations were closed. Before leaving there after five days, 18 different areas were closed due to the flu. Dead penguins and sea lions were seen in the water and on land. Entire colonies and creches of sea birds could potentially be wiped out keeping in mind that South Georgia has two of the largest King penguin colonies in the world. Tourists have complained about biosecurity measures which are strictly enforced by ships and crews, but when dead animals are seen in the water or on landing sites, it is easy to understand the importance of the strict measures.
The effects of climate change in the south pole is also visually undeniable. Any scientific layman will recognize the effects the climate is making on the environment and the wildlife in the Antarctic; Antarctic icebergs are now found around South Georgia which is unusual as icebergs are the result of calving glaciers in Antarctica. Brash ice (large chunks of ice melting from icebergs and glaciers) are prevalent in bays making landings and zodiac (rubber boat) cruising dangerous if not impossible.
Last but not least, the various penguin colonies are behaving differently. The Adelie penguin colony locations are shifting, as well as chinstrap colonies as a result of either too much snow or limited food resources. Krill populations, which are shrimp-like animals eaten by krill dependent baleen whales, penguins and other ocean animals, are rapidly decreasing due to human impact - illegal commercial fishing that is impossible to control. The highly profitable demand for krill oil, an extract coming from Antarctic krill, by the U.S, Europe and Asia markets for human use is posing a serious threat. Krill is vital for the survival of baleen whales such as humpbacks, blue whales, fin, minke, southern right and sei whales. Please make a difference and don't buy any products using krill oil. Thank you!
The effects of climate change in the south pole is also visually undeniable. Any scientific layman will recognize the effects the climate is making on the environment and the wildlife in the Antarctic; Antarctic icebergs are now found around South Georgia which is unusual as icebergs are the result of calving glaciers in Antarctica. Brash ice (large chunks of ice melting from icebergs and glaciers) are prevalent in bays making landings and zodiac (rubber boat) cruising dangerous if not impossible.
Last but not least, the various penguin colonies are behaving differently. The Adelie penguin colony locations are shifting, as well as chinstrap colonies as a result of either too much snow or limited food resources. Krill populations, which are shrimp-like animals eaten by krill dependent baleen whales, penguins and other ocean animals, are rapidly decreasing due to human impact - illegal commercial fishing that is impossible to control. The highly profitable demand for krill oil, an extract coming from Antarctic krill, by the U.S, Europe and Asia markets for human use is posing a serious threat. Krill is vital for the survival of baleen whales such as humpbacks, blue whales, fin, minke, southern right and sei whales. Please make a difference and don't buy any products using krill oil. Thank you!
