70South Antarctic News

Latest Antarctic News...

Dolphin rescues stranded whales by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-03-14 14:45

That dolphins are caring animals is well known and that they helped humans in stressed situtations has been often reported. But now a whale has saved two stranded whales, something never seen before.

Russian first deputy premier in Antarctica by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-03-14 14:42

It is the first high-profile Russian visit to Antarctica. He and his party will inspect the runway at Russia's Novolazarevskya polar station. He will also inspect the Global Navigation Satellite System.

Sea Shepherd vessel heads back home by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-03-14 14:41

It has been a successful season for the conservation society The Sea Shepherd as they went out twice this season to stop the Japanese whalers getting their whaling quota.

Japanese can hunt within their own waters by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-03-14 14:41

In a draft agreement, he Japanese were given official permission to catch whales after a ban of 20 years. If this is made official, Japan is allowed to hunt commercially again.

Chile to build Antarctic Museum by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-03-14 14:41

It will be the first Antarctic Museum in the world. According to local media, Chile plans to build the museum in the southern city of Punta Arenas facing the Strait of Magellan.

Chinese Expedition ends by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-03-14 14:41

The 24th Chinese Antarctic Expedition has come to an end. More than a hundred researchers were picked up from Zhongshan Station by China’s Antarctic icebreaker "The Snow Dragon" and are heading home.

Antarctic Sun Articles, Week March 10th, 2008 by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-03-14 14:40

News articles from the Antarctic Sun, week commencing March 10th February 2008

Follow your nose by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-03-14 14:40

French and US researchers have discovered that the Wandering Albatross finds their food by relying on their sense of smell. Their noses are really powerful tools, able to pick up a scent from several miles away.

Willingness of governments to talk by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-03-14 14:40

The three day meeting called by the International Whaling Commission (IWC) came to an end this weekend. Although no country changed its mind, there is a willingness of various governments to at least talk about the issues.

White killer whale spotted by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-03-14 14:40

There have been stories about this white orca whale, but it had never been spotted by scientists before. Now, the nearly mythic white whale was real after all ! Researchers found the white killer whale near Alaska's Aleutian Islands.

IWC Meeting starts today by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-03-07 19:32

The International Whaling Commission (IWC) is having a meeting in London, England, starting today. Their aim is to find common ground between pro- and anti-whaling nations. It is going to be a difficult meeting.

Hibernating Fish by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-03-07 19:32

It is known that certain animals hibernate to conserve energy during long cold winters. Now scientists have found a fish in the Antarctics that is in a "dormant state", similar to hibernation. A series of studies came up with some interesting information.

Antarctic Sun Articles, Week March 3rd, 2008 by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-03-07 19:32

News articles from the Antarctic Sun, week commencing March 3rd. February 2008

Japan will take complaint to the IWC by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-03-07 19:32

The incident between the environmentalist group, the Sea Shepherd, and the Japanese whalers last weekend is one of the issues Japan likes to raise at the IWC meeting this week.

Helicopter crash in Antarctica by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-03-07 19:31

Two people were killed when a scientific research helicopter crashed in Antarctica. The German pilot and a Dutch technician were killed and three others injured in Sunday's crash.

New members might oppose IWC reform by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-03-04 00:01

A warning came from the organisation Greenpeace that there might be opposition from the new nations that are joining the International Whaling Commission. A meeting is set for next week.

Environmental activists and whalers clash again by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-03-03 23:58

For the second time this year, enviromentalists from the Sea Shepherd Organisation and Japanese whalers clashed as the anti-whaling protesters threw bottles with pungent chemicals at the Japanese whalers. They responded by spraying the activists with their waterhoses.

Japanese youth to help in whaling protest by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-03-03 01:24

Most Japanese youth is not aware that the barbaric stalking of the whales in the Southern Ocean is still going on. These are the target groups the anti-whaling campaigners want to reach.

Brazilian President postpones trip by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-03-03 01:24

The weather in Antarctica is known for its harsh conditions. It has no consideration for the people working and living there. It does not even makes an effort when a President is set to visit.

Rare penguin spotted by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-03-03 01:24

It is often called a "freak of nature", these animals that lack pigmentation. The official name is "leucistic" and now an Adelie penguin which has this genetic defect has been spotted in Antarctica

Norwegian Cruise Ship Hits Iceberg in Antarctic - December 29th by Chuck Kimball — last modified 2008-03-03 01:24

Cruise ship looses power strikes Iceberg, no injuries.

Antarctic Sun Articles, Week Feb. 25, 2008 by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-03-03 01:17

News articles from the Antarctic Sun, week commencing 25. February 2008

Japanese whalers are on the run by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-02-25 09:58

The anti-whaling group Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) have caught up with the Japanese whalers again, chasing them away from the hunting grounds. The seven-vessel Japanese fleet can't catch any whales at the moment.

Second Korean base planned by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-02-25 09:57

The Korean government want to set up a second permanent research station in Antarctica to expand their operations. The plan is to have the project completed by 2011.

Chilean Minister asks for back up to protect whales by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-02-25 09:57

Chilean Environment Minister Ana Lya Uriarte wants to protect the whales in Chile and believes that a permanent whale protection law should be set up. The Chileans have strong feelings about the whaling issue

The giant creatures of the murkey depths by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-02-22 10:23

Scientists working together as part of the Collaborative East Antarctic Marine Census, have collected giant creatures, some of them never seen before, from a depth of over 2 km in Antarctic waters.

Antarctic Sun Articles, Week Feb. 18, 2008 by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-02-22 10:23

News articles from the Antarctic Sun, week commencing 18. February 2008

Global warming might cause Antarctic invasion by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-02-22 10:23

With the waters around Antarctica changing, due to global warming, scientists think it possible that there will be an invasion of species that will be a threat to the existing ecosystems.

King penguins are threathened by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-02-12 15:37

King penguins are a species that, unlike their fellow Antarctic inhabitants, do not feed on the tiny krill and other crustaceans but are at the top of the food chain. Their prefered foods are small fish and squid.

The "pink gold" of the Antarctic by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-02-12 15:37

The "pink gold" of the Antarctic is better know to us as krill, a small shrimp-like crustaceans. It is one of the most important foods for various animals living in the Antarctic, but now Humans have discovered it's many uses.

Venezuela to set up research station ? by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-02-12 15:37

Venezuela has never participated in an expedition to Antarctica before. In fact, they never has an Antarctica programme. But this might change in the future as the first Venezuelan team of scientists went on their first expeditions.

A monumental achievement by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-02-12 15:36

In Antarctica, scientists have built a fully robotic observatory. It was a project which involved six international institutions and was led by the Polar Research Institute of China.

Fuel for Argentina's permanent Base by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-02-08 10:26

The Russian icebreaker Vasili Golovnin is supplying fuel to Argentina’s permanent base Marambio in the Antarctic Peninsula. It was contracted by the Argentine Government to support their Antarctic Season.

Norway sets whaling quota by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-02-08 10:26

The quota, set by the Norwegian Fisheries Ministry, was the same as in 2007. A total of 1052 Minke whales are allowed to be caught in coastal areas including the North Sea, the Barents Sea and the area around Svalbard.

Australian Government releases pictures by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-02-07 10:47

Earlier this week, the Australian Government had declined the release of pictures. But today, they stepped up their campaign against Japanese whaling in Antarctic waters by publishing distressing pictures.

Solar Eclipse over Antarctica by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-02-07 10:47

It is an annular eclipse, and even though the sun will not be completely masked by the moon, it is a sight to see (although better not with the naked eye as it is rather dangerous).

Calls for releasing whale slaughter pictures by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-02-07 10:47

The Australian Customs ship Oceanic Viking's crew have been gathering photographic evidence of the Japanese whaling for the last couple of weeks. Environment Minister Peter Garrett described the whaling as "cruel" and "unnecessary".

Soup's not bad.... by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-02-07 10:46

All members of a Czech research team are still feeling well after eating a soup which is believed to be about 50 years old. They found the soup package on the James Ross Island and decided to give it a try.

Sea Shepherd plans to return with double strength by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-02-07 10:46

Although the Sea Shepherd's ship Steve Irwin is back in port, Paul Watson said they would be back and with double the strength. So far, only one ship is used for their campaign, but this will change next year.

Multi-national research project for marine life census by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-02-02 14:33

23 Countries are involved in this research programme. It will take two months and require 11 co-ordinated voyages to complete the firs-ever census of Antarctic marine biodiversity.

Laboratory built for Mawson's hut by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-02-02 14:31

The work has taken five weeks, but now has been completed. The new laboratory will be used for conservation work on Mawson's Hut in Antarctica. The Australian team working on it has just returned from the icy continent.

Japan is sending team of the coast guards by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-01-29 12:33

The Japanese coast guard feels it needs to send a team of officers to protect the whaling ships against intensifying protests by environmentalists. Apparently, the Fisheries Agency requested Coast Guard protection.

Government's monitoring pointless by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-01-29 12:33

The Australian Federal Government has been monitoring the Japanese whaling fleet in the Southern Ocean for a couple of weeks now. But, other than taking pictures, they are not really of any use according to the Sea Shepherd.

Antarctic Sun Articles, Week Jan 28, 2008 by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-01-29 12:33

News articles from the Antarctic Sun, week commencing 28. January 2008

Things that don't belong by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-01-29 12:32

One could call it an alien invasion, all the things that have been brought and are still being brought to Antarctica, albeit unwittingly, by scientists and tourists. Things like mites, seeds, mosses, spores and organisms alient to Antarctica.

Greenpeace withdrawing due to fuel shortage by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-01-29 12:32

It has been a good effort, for two weeks the Japanese whalers were not able to catch any whales. Frustration aboard the Greenpeace ship Esperanza is great, but they can't stay any longer.

Special Life Experiences of a Chinese and Some Customs in China by Xu Han-You — last modified 2008-01-29 12:32

submit story-outcry.

Japan defends whaling by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-01-29 12:32

The Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda stated that the whaling Japan is doing every year is "scientific whaling", and they are not breaking any laws. He argues that it is part of the Japanese culture

Supersize whaler being build by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-01-29 12:31

The Japanese whaling industry plans to build a supersized whaling mother ship in spite of international protests. The building of a new ship would mean Japan would continue whaling for at least another 40 years.

Leaving cozy museum to work in the Antarctic by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-01-29 12:31

The Virginia civil war conservator Susanne Grieve will leave for Antarctica soon as part of a four-person conservation team to restore objects from explorers such as Scott and Shackleton

Active volcano in Antarctica ? by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-01-21 13:09

Can it be that the powerful volcano, which erupted under the icesheet of West Antarctica around 2,000 years ago, is still active ? British scientists issued a report which prompts questions about the ice loss in Antarctica

Whaling - another Japanese governmental scandal by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-01-21 13:09

The Japanese government is under heavy fire, one scandal follows the next. Anti whaling campaigner Sakyo Noda sent another message to the Japanese people. The Japanese government is involved in illegitimate whaling, but want to cover it up by claiming it is for research.

Norwegian - US expedition reaches South Pole by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-01-21 13:09

The expedition, plagued by a number of serious mechanical breakdowns, finally reached the South Pole. It is the first leg of their scientific programme. It was two months after they left the Norwegian research station Troll.

Live coverage of Sir Ed's funeral by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-01-21 13:08

There will be a state funeral for Sir Edmund Hillary. In a tribute to this special man, there will be live coverage to Scott Base in Antarctica. The funeral will be next week.

Activists released by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-01-21 13:08

After three days, the two Sea Shepherd protesters are back on board the "Steve Irwin". They said to have been afraid the whalers were planning to throw them overboard.

Antarctic Sun Articles, Week Jan 14, 2008 by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-01-21 13:08

News articles from the Antarctic Sun, week commencing 14. January 2008

Illegal fishing in Antarctic waters by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-01-17 09:40

A New Zealand Air Force plane has spotted a blacklisted ship fishing illegally in Antarctic waters during a routine surveillance mission. The ship was detected fishing in the Ross Sea which is 120 km inside the prohibited zone.

Flowing lake underneath Antarctic ice by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-01-17 09:39

Lake Ellsworth is really a lake. Okay, the actual flowing lake is covered by a frozen ice shelf about 3 km thick, but there is a lake ! British scientist have discovered it with the help of soundwaves.

Australian Federal Court ruling outlaw whaling in Australian Antarctic waters by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-01-17 09:39

Yesterday, the Australian Federal court made the ruling The Humane Society International (HSI) had been waiting for. This means that Japan is banned from whaling anywhere around Australian coastline or off Australian Antarctic territory.

Two activists held by Japanese whalers by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-01-17 09:39

Two activist from the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society boarded a whaling vessel and are held captive. Japanese whalers claim that they "illegally" boarded their vessel.

Government should help disrupt hunt by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-01-17 09:39

New Zealand's Green Party feels that the government should help disrupt the Japanese hunt for whales in the Southern Ocean. They should be helping the conservation society Greenpeace

Artifacts to stay in Antarctica by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-01-17 09:38

Eight members from the Mawson's Huts Foundation (MHF) have been battling the Antarctic weather and constructed a lab at Cape Denison where the artifacts will be conserved. The artifacts are the remains of the expedition, led by Sir Douglas Mawson in 1911-14.

"Spy ship" not equipped for Antarctic waters ? by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-01-14 17:49

Doubts have been raised by the Australian opposition whether the customs ship, the Ocean Viking, sent to monitor Japanese whaling is capable of sailing in Antarctic waters at all.

Whalers found and chased out of hunting grounds by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-01-14 17:49

Greenpeace's vessel "Esperanza" has found the Japanese whalers on Saturday and chased off the main ship, the Nisshin Maru. At the moment the smaller hunting ships cannot hunt as they are separated from the main processing ship.

No sight of whalers by either conservationalist group by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-01-11 15:21

Neither the Greenpeace ship "Esperanza", nor the Sea Shepherd ship "Steve Irwin" have been able to find the Japanese whalers. Sea Shepherd's suggestion to work together was harpooned by Greenpeace.

Historic passenger flight to Antarctica by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-01-11 16:04

This historic flight will be between Australia and Antarctica and has left Hobart yesterday. On board were scientists and Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett. This airlink finally bridges the gap between the two continents.

Australian surveillance ship left for mission by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-01-11 16:05

The Australian vessel "Ocean Viking" has finally left the navel base near Perth. Now it will head towards the southern ocean and gather evidence for a legal challenge against Japan and its whaling stand.

Sir Edmund Hillary dies at 88 by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-01-11 16:07

Who has not heard of his incredible journey 51 years ago, taking a converted Massey Ferguson tractor an just keep going till he reached the South Pole. He became a national hero in New Zealand and know all over the world for his conquering Mount Everest.

Making (Irish) history by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-01-09 20:00

After months of battling though the hardest conditions, an Irish team of four made history after becoming the first Irish expedition to reach the South Pole. It was a dream come true for them.

Chairman of IPCC to visit Antarctica by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-01-09 20:00

Rajendra Pachauri, the chairman of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, will travel to Antarctica with a Norwegian delegation next week. He was invited to go there during a visit to Norway in December to accept the Nobel prize.

Korea looking for possible sites by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-01-09 20:00

Korea is planning to build a second Antarctic base and is looking at possible sites. It has been 20 years after they established the King Sejong Station. The new site is planned for 2011

Rare Humpback whale recordings by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-01-09 19:59

Greenpeace's ship Esperanza is at the moment in the Southern Ocean, trying to find the Japanese whaling fleet. Meanwhile, they have another proof that you do not need to kill whales to do research. They recorded rare Humpback whale songs.

China's expedition team reached 3,000 meters by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-01-09 19:59

Yesterday, the team, which includes 91 scientists, reached a place at 3,156 meters above sea level. They are in good shape and their equipment works very well. As do the vehicles they brought on the journey.

Australian patrol ship left harbour - first step by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-01-09 19:59

It looks like the search for the Japanese whalers is escalating. After Greenpeace and The Sea Shepherd are looking for the whaling fleet, now the Australians have sent out their custom patrol ship.

Boat freed after emergency airdrop by Kris Molle — last modified 2008-01-09 19:59

The Argos Georgia, a British deep-sea fishing boat, got stuck before Christmas in an Antarctic pack ice. Now, after receiving an emergency airdrop, it has been able to repair the damage and is running again.