Campaigners say whaling target proves protests are working Nov 13, 2008
The whales campaign co-ordinator for Greenpeace International, Sara Holden, said: "We are seeing the beginning of the end of whaling in the Southern Ocean whale sanctuary.". The Asahi report cited opposition from Australia and other countries, protests in the Southern Ocean and a slump in domestic consumption of whale meat among reasons for the cut. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
New wave of discovery shows octopus origins Nov 11, 2008
The remote and forbidding waters of Antarctica's Southern Ocean are the ancestral homeland for most of the deep-sea octopus species in the world, a team of researchers has discovered ... Their analysis showed they all had a common Antarctic ancestor, and are related to a species that still lives in the Southern Ocean ... It runs all the way from north of Iceland, down through the middle of the North Atlantic, straight on down past the Azores, into the south Atlantic and into the Southern Ocean,... (Globe and Mail)
Australia unlikely to monitor Japanese whaling Nov 11, 2008
But after high-seas clashes between the whalers and activists in the frigid Southern Ocean, the brief detention of activists on a whale hunting ship and diplomatic protests from Japan, Environment Minister Peter Garrett would not promise a repeat ... Japan's whaling fleet will leave for the Antarctic within weeks and intends to cull 850 minke and 50 fin whales in the Southern Ocean this season, Australian lawmakers said. (Scientific American)
To Save the Southern Polar Environment--Dump the Antarctic Treaty Nov 11, 2008
Quite simply, he says, "The Southern Ocean is a mess." ... But pirate fishing boats have long been wreaking havoc on the southern oceans, and reduced sea ice has eased coastal access and stripped of their last refuge. (Scientific American)
Astonishing Life In Ocean's Depths: Major Progress Made Towards Historic Census Of Marine Life Nov 11, 2008
10, 2008) The 2,000-strong community of Census of Marine Life scientists from 82 nations has announced astonishing examples of recent new finds from the world s ocean depths. Mollusk expert Patricia Miloslavich (Venezuela), Census co-senior scientist: We are beginning to pull together a picture and clarify the complicated and interconnected global drivers of marine biodiversity patterns and changes, and we are starting to see the conservation-related implications and benefits, from the small... (Science Daily)
Tighter timeline for ocean organisms Nov 11, 2008
ELEANOR HALL: Now to that alarming research on marine life in the southern ocean which shows that the tipping point where animals will struggle to survive will come sooner than scientists previously thought. Researchers at the Climate Change Research Centre at the University of New South Wales are warning that acidity in the Southern Ocean will reach destructive levels where it will dissolve the shells of marine organisms by 2030 ... BEN MCNEIL: And the reason is that during winter in autumn in... (ABC Online)
Terminal diagnosis for ocean creatures Nov 11, 2008
RISING acid levels in the Southern Ocean will start destroying sea life within 30 years, three decades earlier than previously thought, Australian climate change researchers warned yesterday ... They overlooked the impact of seasonal variations in the Southern Ocean ... Every winter, Dr McNeil said, strong winds stirred the Southern Ocean, causing cold water from deeper than 500 metres to be pushed towards the surface. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Racers in Vendee Globe start nonstop solo quest Nov 11, 2008
"I love the challenges of the southern Ocean," Thomson said. "To get out there racing and focusing on boat speed, this is what I have been training towards. It's really amazing, more people have climbed Mount Everest than who have achieved our feat.". (International Herald Tribune -- Sports)
Marine invasive species advance 50km per decade, World Conference on Marine Biodiversity told Nov 11, 2008
The paleogeographic study of the historic processes leading to the present distribution of species in the African coast, the impact of the collapse of ice shelves in Antarctica, or the impacts of the acidification of the Southern ocean are among the issues that will be discussed at the Conference. INSPIRED BY THE SEA. (EurekAlert!)
Octopuses share 'living ancestor' Nov 10, 2008
Many of the world's deep-sea octopuses evolved from a common ancestor that still exists in the icy waters of the Southern Ocean, a study has shown ... The species could all be traced back to a shallow-water octopus called Megaleledone setebos, which is only found in the Southern Ocean. (BBC News)
Census of the ocean finding new wonders Nov 10, 2008
Megaleledone setebos, a shallow-water circum-Antarctic species endemic to the Southern Ocean ... Megaleledone setebos, a shallow-water circum-Antarctic species endemic to the Southern Ocean. (The Age, Australia -- World)
Scientists to present global census on marine life Nov 10, 2008
Scientists from Hobart will present findings of research on deep water currents in the Southern Ocean. The Australian Institute of Marine Science in Townsville is leading the world in studying coral reefs. (ABC Online)
Moment Surfer Tackles 40-Foot Wave on Film Nov 9, 2008
The 25-year-old surfed the enormous break at an outdoor reef in the Southern Ocean somewhere between Margaret River and South Australia on the southwest coast of Western Australia last August. Local surfers discovered the break the exact location of which they want to keep secret after deep-sea fisherman alerted them to the amazing waves they had seen about 9 miles off the coast. (Fox News)
Small businesses headed to uncharted waters Nov 9, 2008
Three-quarters of the race takes place in the Southern Ocean (aka the Antarctic Ocean) where the water temperature is just above freezing, waves top 110 feet, winds can blow 85 miles per hour and icebergs are abundant. These competitors not only have to be in excellent physical shape to endure the long hours and the strenuous tasks of sailing, but they also have to know their boat inside and out. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Historical fantasy skates on thin ice Nov 8, 2008
The iceberg itself conceals a secret: the perfectly preserved body of a young seaman who died in the Southern Ocean decades earlier. After the death of his first wife, McEacharn becomes obsessed with techniques of preservation: freezing, pickling in formaldehyde and other chemical agents. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Sea Shepherd ready to clash with Japanese whalers Nov 8, 2008
The Australian Government is calling for restraint as Japanese whalers and protesters prepare for a confrontation in the Southern Ocean ... "Greenpeace has been down in the Southern Ocean for the past three years, so we've taken the decision over the last couple of weeks that really what we need to do is focus on the campaign inside Japan," he said ... "It's only because there's not enough opposition inside Japan that the fleet goes down to the Southern Ocean every year. And that's where we... (ABC Online)
Antarctic commitment has been put on ice Nov 4, 2008
We also have a very real interest in protecting the Australian Antarctic environment and our fisheries resources in the Southern Ocean. We should also want to be at the cutting edge of scientific research for what it can tell us about climate change and sustainability. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Capturing nature's greetings, Nov 4, 2008
Timing also counted for Mindy Oberne, visiting Macquarie Island in the Southern Ocean from her native United States, when she captured a colony of royal penguins greeting or feeding each other, or was it a courtship ritual. The ANZANG competition is now in its fifth year. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Climate Change Seeps Into The Sea Oct 30, 2008
Other sensitive areas are the Southern Ocean and the subpolar North Pacific, where acidification threatens to unravel important food chains by making life difficult for a small marine snail called a pteropod. It s a favorite food of small fishes, which, in turn, support larger fishes, penguins, whales and seabirds. (Science Daily)
Can smoke and mirrors ease global warming? Oct 27, 2008
Climos is seeking to raise money to test adding iron dust to the southern ocean to spur growth of algae that grow by absorbing heat-trapping carbon dioxide from the air ... Climos wants to test iron fertilization in the southern ocean, at the earliest in January 2010 in a test that could $15-20 million, she said. (Scientific American)
Russians are coming … to race to Hobart Oct 23, 2008
"This race can be very tough and I hope that our boat will perform well. There will be 10 young Russian sailors from different parts of Russia and I hope they will learn a lot from Australian yachtsmen and will bring back home some Southern Ocean experience.". The Russian entry is one of 10 international applications among the fleet of 100 anticipated by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia for the Hobart race. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
* British sailor to recreate historic trip to Australia Oct 21, 2008
Goss is no stranger to maritime challenges, having taken part in the Vendee Globe single-handed around-the-world race in the winter of 1996, changing course mid-way to rescue stricken rival Raphael Dinelli in the Southern Ocean. In December 2000, it was he and his crew who needed rescuing when their catamaran got caught in an Atlantic storm during sea trials for another race. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Survival Secret Of Antarctic 'Antifreeze Fish' Oct 19, 2008
There are eight families of notothenioid fish, and five of them inhabit the Southern Ocean, the frigid sea that encircles the Antarctic continent ... Their ability to live in the cold and oxygen-rich extremes is so extraordinary that they make up more than 90 percent of the fish biomass of the Southern Ocean ... These proteins help the fish combat oxidative stress in the oxygen-rich Southern Ocean. (Science Daily)
Ocean Watch: Save bluefins by ordering something else Oct 18, 2008
Some bluefins swim across the Pacific Ocean and back, and others circle the Southern Ocean ... This tuna swims around the Southern Ocean, mainly between 30 to 50 degrees south ... Some bluefins swim across the Pacific Ocean and back, and others circle the Southern Ocean. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Tokyo Film Festival Rolls Out the (Recycled) Green Carpet for Voight, Woo Oct 18, 2008
Japan's government sends a fleet annually to the Southern Ocean near Antarctica to hunt minke and fin whales under a scientific license, angering environmentalists as well as anti- whaling members of the International Whaling Commission including Australia and New Zealand. Different Choices. (Bloomberg -- Japan)
Genes hold secret of survival of Antarctic 'antifreeze fish' Oct 17, 2008
There are eight families of notothenioid fish, and five of them inhabit the Southern Ocean, the frigid sea that encircles the Antarctic continent ... Their ability to live in the cold and oxygen-rich extremes is so extraordinary that they make up more than 90 percent of the fish biomass of the Southern Ocean ... Dissostichus mawsoni, the Antarctic toothfish, is the largest of the notothenioid fish to inhabit the Southern Ocean. (EurekAlert!)
Climate will destroy penguin colonies Oct 15, 2008
Climate change models forecast that a two degrees Celsius temperature rise above pre-industrial level could be a reality in less than 40 years, producing a strong reduction in the sea ice cover of the Southern Ocean which is an essential nesting and feeding ground for Emperor and Adlie penguins. A reduction in the sea ice is also likely to have a knock-on effect on the abundance of krill, which is a vital food source for penguins. (India Times)
Byproduct Of Steel Shows Potential In Carbon Dioxide Sequestration Oct 15, 2008
31, 2000) The cold Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica soaks up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere like a sponge, but scientists have discovered that the greenhouse gas doesn't stay there. Now. (Science Daily)
Challenge To Discover Antarcticas Hidden World Oct 15, 2008
4, 2004) Antarctic whales, seals and penguins could be threatened by food shortages in the Southern Ocean. Numbers of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba), a shrimp-like crustacean at the heart of the food. (Science Daily)
Greenhouse gas threatens food chain Oct 14, 2008
Carbon dioxide is absorbed by the sea most easily in the colder Southern Ocean, which becomes more acidic, interfering with the formation of calcium carbonate. Krill rely on calcium for the formation of their shells. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Climate Change To Devastate Penguin Colonies Oct 13, 2008
C temperature rise above pre-industrial level could be a reality in less than 40 years, producing a strong reduction in the sea ice cover of the Southern Ocean which is an essential nesting and feeding ground for Emperor and Ad;lie penguins ... WWF also proposes the establishment of a network of marine protected areas to reduce pressure on the species, and the implementation of precautionary management measures that ensure the future of the krill and finfish fisheries and all Southern Ocean... (Science Daily)
Volvo Ocean Race sets off Saturday Oct 10, 2008
The first leg of the Volvo Ocean Race begins Saturday with eight teams braving the elements and the notorious Southern Ocean swells in a bid to claim one of sailing's ultimate prizes. The race begins in Alicante and ends some 37,000 nautical miles later in St. Petersburg, Russia, rounding both Cape Horn and the Cape of Good Hope. (International Herald Tribune -- Travel)
Underwater coral mountains with 274 new species of life Oct 10, 2008
In the icy waters of the Southern Ocean scientists found 418 invertebrate species including crustaceans, molluscs, brittle star fish and sponges. The expeditions were carried out in November 2006 and April 2007 in the Southeast Commonwealth Marine Reserve Network which covers 87,300 square miles. (Telegraph.co.uk)
Warmer weather will devastate penguins: WWF Oct 10, 2008
The Emperor penguin, the breed featured in the animated film Happy Feet, is seen in this undated file photo. Oct. 9 2008 1:19 PM ET. (CTV.ca)
Warmer World Threatens "Happy Feet" Penguins Oct 10, 2008
Rising temperatures in coming decades would lead to less sea ice in the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica and fewer nesting sites and feeding grounds for penguins, global conservation group WWF said in the report "2 deg C is Too Much". "The problem is very serious. Antarctica and the Arctic are the most threatened regions from climate change," Juan Casavelos, WWF's Antarctic Climate Change Coordinator, said on Thursday. (Planet Ark, United States)
Hundreds of new marine species discovered Oct 10, 2008
Hundreds of new marine species and previously uncharted undersea mountains and canyons have been discovered in the depths of the Southern Ocean, Australian scientists said Wednesday ... BEIJING, Oct. 10 -- Hundreds of new marine species and previously uncharted undersea mountains and canyons have been discovered in the depths of the Southern Ocean, Australian scientists said Wednesday ... In the cold depths of the Southern Ocean "things grow quite slowly so when you're looking at a coral which... (Xinhuanet, China)
Ocean abyss yields new marine species Oct 8, 2008
A voyage of discovery by Australian scientists into the uncharted depths of the Southern Ocean has found hundreds of new marine species, the CSIRO says. The discovery of 274 fish, ancient corals, molluscs, crustaceans and sponges new to science has been announced at the CSIRO's Marine and Atmospheric Research unit in Hobart. (The Age)
Fish stock at risk in climate change Oct 6, 2008
The collapse of the Wilkins Ice Shelf in the Antarctic has been confirmed as a consequence of warming in the Southern Ocean. The break-up of the shelf, which began in February, is the only documented collapse to continue through the winter. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Oysters will fail the acid test Oct 4, 2008
Scientists from the Australian Antarctic Division and the University of Hobart who have led efforts at investigating acidification in the Southern Ocean will also be attending. Scientists say the problem comes on top of global warming, which is also caused by rising emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Gyres Affect Sea Life, Climate Oct 3, 2008
In the Southern Ocean, scientists from University of New South Wales have been studying the East Australian Current, which performs a similar warming effect on Eastern Australia, as well as mixing heat across the Antarctic Circumpolar Current ... The Southern Ocean is very expensive to sample experimentally with buoys, thus there are few observations at depth, he said ... The Southern Ocean Connects All Oceans. (Suite101.com)
Mission to monitor ocean's climate control Oct 3, 2008
The Southern Ocean off Antarctica accounts for 15 percent of Earth's carbon sinks, which absorb CO2 from the atmosphere ... Australian scientists set sail later this week on a voyage that could lead to better data from the Southern Ocean, which plays a major role in acting as a brake on climate change ... Oceans absorb vast amounts of carbon dioxide and the Southern Ocean between Australia and Antarctica plays the greatest role of all the world's oceans, scientists say. (MSNBC -- Environment)
From bait to plate Sep 25, 2008
Some days, this area is thrashed by the roaring forties, the winds that whip across from the Southern Ocean. But today, the brackish, tea-coloured harbour, estimated to be between five and seven times the size of Sydney Harbour, is as smooth as fondant. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Troubled waters: Did we really save the whale? Sep 22, 2008
The Japanese are still hunting in the Southern Ocean supposedly a whale sanctuary ... Now, as pro-whaling nations push harder for a resumption of legitimate whaling, more pragmatic campaigners say that the only way to stop the Japanese plundering the Southern Ocean is to permit limited commercial whaling, which would allow some control of a currently anarchic situation. (Independent)
Litany of disaster: the air tractor that dashed Mawson's dreams Sep 20, 2008
Mr Jensen believes the work done so far has "almost certainly prevented the huts being blown into the Southern Ocean". That, he adds, would be terrible fate for "the birthplace of Australia's Antarctic heritage". (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Breaking the ice Sep 12, 2008
Anna Lacey went to the British Antarctic Survey in Cambridge to find out about a new project that's using satellite technology to improve navigation in the Southern Ocean for the BBC World Service's Digital Planet programme. Pretty dangerous. (BBC News -- Science)
Climate: New Spin On Ocean's Role Sep 11, 2008
10, 2008) New studies of the Southern Ocean are revealing previously unknown features of giant spinning eddies that have a profound influence on marine life and on the world's climate ... (May 30, 2007) A novel analysis of water flow in the Southern Ocean surrounding the Antarctic is revealing previously hidden structures that are crucial in controlling the transport of drifting plants and animals. (Science Daily)
Globetrotter throws all but caution to the wind Sep 9, 2008
He expects to be at sea non-stop for about 100 days on a course taking him into the fierce Southern Ocean, one of the most remote places on Earth and the graveyard of the only other Canadian to have entered the Vend. e Globe. (Globe and Mail -- National)
Experts meet on need for new rules to govern world's fragile polar regions Sep 8, 2008
"Bioprospecting in Antarctica in particular raises new questions about its impact on freedom of scientific research and the unique framework of international co-operation and governance in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean which is built upon the ideals of Antarctica as a region devoted to science and peace. "Similar questions arise in the Arctic as well. It is quite suprising but it looks like bioprospecting is already a well established commercial activity in the Arctic, perhaps exceeding the... (EurekAlert!)
Neither look too good nor wise Sep 5, 2008
But in one match his kicking was too feeble for the wind off the Southern Ocean, and the gale seized the ball and flung it back over his head and between the goal posts. Carpenter would chortle at the anecdote. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
OSU team treks to Antarctica (48) Sep 2, 2008
The team will post images, sound files and logs of the trip as part of the project, which is called Sounds of the Southern Ocean ... The Southern Ocean surrounds Antarctica and serves as a conduit between the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
Carbon Dioxide Tipping Point Sep 1, 2008
Today, the scientific community has a pretty clear picture of how much CO2 our atmosphere can sustain, and there is growing evidence that 350 PPM should be our target, rather than 450 PPM." Scenarios of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Atmospheric Concentrations released by the U.S. Climate Change Science Program (CCSP) in July 2007 predicts As a result, global CO2 emissions more than triple between 2000 and 2100, and emissions are rising at the end of the twenty-first century in all three reference... (Suite101.com)
Launching the Spirit of Mystery Aug 28, 2008
The Southern Ocean Voyage of Spirit of Mystery. Renowned sailor Pete Goss followed the story of Captain Nicholls and decided to build his own wooden lugger and recreate the Mystery's voyage in the Southern Ocean. (Suite101.com)
Welcome mat out for Rebels motorcycle gang Aug 24, 2008
When you book 3 nights at the Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island To see What's On this spring go to www. newzealand. (NEWS.com.au)
Australians mourn baby whale 'Colin' Aug 23, 2008
One likened it to the Japanese slaughter of whales in the Southern Ocean. Alexander Littingham, who watched the spectacle, branded the scene as absolutely disgusting. (Independent)
Abandoned baby whale thinks Sydney yacht is mum Aug 19, 2008
In September and October prime whale watching time in Australia - they migrate south again in small groups with their calves in tow, to the colder feeding grounds of the Southern Ocean. Mr Dengate said at least one or two humpback whale calves usually wash ashore each year. (Times Online)
Japan seeks to arrest anti-whaling activists Aug 18, 2008
TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese police have sought arrest warrants for three anti-whaling activists after their heated clashes with Tokyo's whaling fleet in the Southern Ocean last year, the government said on Monday. "It's natural to seek an arrest warrant after determining that there was a crime," Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura told a news conference. (Reuters)
Antarctic Climate: Short-term Spikes, Long-term Warming Linked To Tropical Pacific Aug 16, 2008
There are no SST data for that period for the portions of the Southern Ocean shown here. Analysis of ice cores drilled in West Antarctica (red dots) reveals that air temperatures there warmed by as much as 10. (Science Daily)
Southern Ocean Seals Dive Deep For Climate Data Aug 14, 2008
14, 2008) According to a paper published today by a team of French, Australian, US and British scientists in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, elephant seals fitted with special oceanographic sensors are providing a 30-fold increase in data recorded in parts of the Southern Ocean rarely observed using traditional ocean monitoring techniques. See also. (Science Daily)
Southern seals sample salty seas Aug 13, 2008
Elephant seals are helping scientists study temperature and salinity changes in the Southern Ocean ... "What we know about the Southern Ocean is very limited, which makes predicting the formation of sea-ice difficult," Dr Charrassin told BBC News ... In the long-term, the researchers hope to continue using seals to help them monitor salinity levels in the Southern Ocean, and study the impact of global sea temperature changes on ocean currents. (BBC News -- Science)
Protected Humpbacks Recovering, But Whales Worldwide Face Growing Threats Aug 12, 2008
Since 2006, the Government of Japan has threatened to resume killing humpback whales in the Antarctic, defying both the global moratorium on commercial whaling and the designation of the Southern Ocean Sanctuary, a circumpolar whale sanctuary established by the International Whaling Commission in 1994. The highly visible and charismatic humpback whale has become an icon of the conservation movement and is one of the mainstays of the world's fast-growing whale-watching industry. (PR Newswire)
Seals uncover frozen sea secrets Aug 12, 2008
The animals have been fitted with sensors developed by a team from the University of St Andrews to assess the waters of the Southern Ocean ... Professor Mike Fedak, from the university's Gatty Marine Laboratory, said, "The Southern Ocean is a hotspot for climate research because its circulation is critical to understanding the earth's climate and its huge ice sheet is sensitive to climate change. "Southern elephant seals are wide-ranging predators that roam all over the Southern Ocean, even... (BBC News)
Elephant seals join fight against climate change Aug 12, 2008
The elephant seals have provided scientists with a 30-fold increase in data recorded in parts of the Southern Ocean, said the study by a team of French, Australian, U.S. and British scientists and published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences ... The polar regions play an important role in the earth's climate and are changing more rapidly than any other part of the world, with the Southern Ocean warming more rapidly than the global ocean average. (Scientific American)
Scientists turn to seals for climate change answers Aug 12, 2008
"Sea ice forms and sea ice is very important for both climate and ecosystems in the Southern Ocean," Dr Rintoul said. "If we want to understand what's going to happen to [the] climate in the future we need to know what the sea ice is going to do. Will there be more or less and will it form more or less rapidly?". (ABC Online)
Need cold facts? Send in seals Aug 12, 2008
The polar regions are expected to be especially sensitive to climate change, but collecting data has been a problem, especially in the wind-whipped Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica. So researchers decided to recruit help from residents of the area. (AZCentral -- News)
4 waterspouts spotted in Lacey Aug 12, 2008
The twisters over water were spotted between Lacey Township and the bay side of Island Beach State Park Monday. There were no reports of injuries. (The Trentonian, NJ)
