A Spring Expedition to the Sub-Antarctic
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Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands
Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands January 5 - 26, 2017 ARGENTINA Saunders Island Fortuna Bay Steeple Jason Island Stromness Bay Grytviken Tierra del Fuego FALKLAND SOUTH Gold Harbour ISLANDS GEORGIA CHILE SCOTIA SEA Drygalski Fjord Ushuaia Elephant Island DRAKE Livingston Island Deception PASSAGE Island LEMAIRE CHANNEL Cuverville Island ANTARCTIC PENINSULA Friday & Saturday, January 6 & 7, 2017 Ushuaia, Argentina / Beagle Channel / Embark Ocean Diamond Ushuaia, ‘Fin del Mundo,’ at the southernmost tip of Argentina was where we gathered for the start of our Antarctic adventure, and after a night’s rest, we set out on various excursions to explore the neighborhood of the end of the world. The keen birders were the first away, on their mission to the Tierra del Fuego National Park in search of the Magellanic woodpecker. They were rewarded with sightings of both male and female woodpeckers, Andean condors, flocks of Austral parakeets, and a wonderful view of an Austral pygmy owl, as well as a wide variety of other birds to check off their lists. The majority of our group went off on a catamaran tour of the Beagle Channel, where we saw South American sea lions on offshore islands before sailing on to the national park for a walk along the shore and an enjoyable Argentinian BBQ lunch. Others chose to hike in the deciduous beech forests of Reserva Natural Cerro Alarkén around the Arakur Resort & Spa. After only a few minutes of hiking, we saw an Andean condor soar above us and watched as a stunning red and black Magellanic woodpecker flew towards us and perched on the trunk of a nearby tree. -
Operational Plan for the Eradication of Rodents from South Georgia: Phase 1
1 Operational Plan for the eradication of rodents from South Georgia: Phase 1 South Georgia Heritage Trust 21 December 2010 Rodent eradication on South Georgia, Phase 1: Operational Plan, version 4. 21 Dec 2010 2 Table of Contents RELATED DOCUMENTS .................................................................................................................................. 4 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS .................................................................................................................................... 4 NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................ 5 Background .................................................................................................................................................... 5 This project..................................................................................................................................................... 6 Eradication methodology & timing ................................................................................................................ 6 Project management & staffing ...................................................................................................................... 8 Risk management............................................................................................................................................ 8 Project and Operational Plan development .................................................................................................. -
South Georgia Andrew Clarke, John P
Important Bird Areas South Georgia Andrew Clarke, John P. Croxall, Sally Poncet, Anthony R. Martin and Robert Burton n o s r a e P e c u r B South Georgia from the sea; a typical first view of the island. Abstract The mountainous island of South Georgia, situated in the cold but productive waters of the Southern Ocean, is a UK Overseas Territory and one of the world’s most important seabird islands. It is estimated that over 100 million seabirds are based there, while there may have been an order of magnitude more before the introduction of rats. South Georgia has 29 species of breeding bird, and is the world’s most important breeding site for six species (Macaroni Penguin Eudyptes chrysolophus , Grey-headed Albatross Thalassarche chrysostoma , Northern Giant Petrel Macronectes halli , Antarctic Prion Pachyptila desolata , White-chinned Petrel Procellaria aequinoctialis and Common Diving Petrel Pelecanoides urinatrix ). Several of the key species are globally threatened or near-threatened, which emphasises the need for action to improve the conservation status of the island’s birds. South Georgia is currently classified by BirdLife International as a single Important Bird Area (IBA) but it may be better considered as comprising several distinct IBAs. Current threats to the South Georgia avifauna include rats (a major campaign to eliminate rats began in 2010/11), regional climate change, and incidental mortality in longline and trawl fisheries. Local fisheries are now well regulated but South Georgia albatrosses and petrels are still killed in large numbers in more distant fisheries. 118 © British Birds 105 • March 2012 • 118 –144 South Georgia This paper is dedicated to the memory of Peter Prince (1948–1998), who worked on South Georgia from 1971. -
Serengeti of the Southern Ocean
SOUTH GEORGIA & THE FALKLANDS SERENGETI OF THE SOUTHERN OCEAN ABOARD NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER | 2017-2019 TM If the astonishing sight of some 100,000+ king penguins in one rookery alone were all this expedition offered; if at the end of our time among the kings—observing, listening, photographing, walking among and communing with them—our team said “Show’s over, Folks,” and everyone were to head back home—it’s likely no one would complain, according to all our expedition leaders. It’s that profound and rewarding an experience. BUT THERE’S MORE: THE GREATEST WILDLIFE SPECTACLE ON EARTH. There’s life in such profusion that it boggles your mind as it sends your spirit soaring. Dense colonies of king penguins, fur seals, elephant seals, macaroni and gentoo penguins. Slopes of stunning windward cliffs teeming with grey-headed, black-browed and wandering albatross— nearly a third of all the birds of this species nest here. Plus, there are the rare endemics: the mighty South Georgia pipit, the only songbird in the Antarctic region and South Georgia’s only passerine; and the Falkland’s Johnny rook. (Life-listers take note.) Once a killing ground for whalers, South Georgia is now a sanctuary, an extravagant celebration of wildlife and pristine wildness. We travel with some of the best wildlife photographers on Earth, and even their best photos can’t do this spectacle justice. So, we offer images on the following pages as an invitation—to see it all yourself. TM Cover photo: King penguins in the surf. ©Michael S. Nolan. Ship’s registry: Bahamas The thrilling sight of tens of thousands of king penguins greeting you on a single beach in South Georgia! Dear Traveler, Every single person I’ve ever met who’s been to South Georgia—our guests, our staff, our captains—all say, essentially, the same thing. -
South Georgia and Antarctic Odyssey
South Georgia and Antarctic Odyssey 02 – 19 February 2019 | Polar Pioneer About Us Aurora Expeditions embodies the spirit of adventure, travelling to some of the most wild and adventure and discovery. Our highly experienced expedition team of naturalists, historians and remote places on our planet. With over 27 years’ experience, our small group voyages allow for destination specialists are passionate and knowledgeable – they are the secret to a fulfilling a truly intimate experience with nature. and successful voyage. Our expeditions push the boundaries with flexible and innovative itineraries, exciting wildlife Whilst we are dedicated to providing a ‘trip of a lifetime’, we are also deeply committed to experiences and fascinating lectures. You’ll share your adventure with a group of like-minded education and preservation of the environment. Our aim is to travel respectfully, creating souls in a relaxed, casual atmosphere while making the most of every opportunity for lifelong ambassadors for the protection of our destinations. DAY 1 | Saturday 2 February 2019 Port Stanley; South Atlantic Ocean Position: 21:30 hours Course: Alongside Wind Speed: 16 knots Barometer: 1014 hPa & steady Latitude: 51°41.5’ S in Stanley Wind Direction: SSW Air Temp: 8°C Longitude: 57°49’ W Sea Temp: 8°C After weeks of excited anticipation and long, long flights from around the globe, we finally The sound of seven-short-one-long from the ship’s horn was our signal to don bulky orange landed at the Falklands, our departure port for our South Georgia and Antarctic adventure. lifejackets and gather at the muster station, to sample the ambience of a Polar Class life vessel. -
Serengeti of the Southern Ocean
SOUTH GEORGIA & THE FALKLANDS SERENGETI OF THE SOUTHERN OCEAN ABOARD NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER | 2018-2020 TM If the astonishing sight of some 100,000+ king penguins in one rookery alone were all this expedition offered; if at the end of our time among the kings—observing, listening, photographing, walking among and communing with them—our team said “Show’s over, Folks,” and everyone were to head back home—it’s likely no one would complain, according to all our expedition leaders. It’s that profound and rewarding an experience. BUT THERE’S MORE: THE GREATEST WILDLIFE SPECTACLE ON EARTH. There’s life in such profusion that it boggles your mind as it sends your spirit soaring. Dense colonies of king penguins, fur seals, elephant seals, macaroni and gentoo penguins. Slopes of stunning windward cliffs teeming with grey-headed, black-browed and wandering albatross— nearly a third of all the birds of this species nest here. Plus, there are the rare endemics: the mighty South Georgia pipit, the only songbird in the Antarctic region and South Georgia’s only passerine; and the Falkland’s Johnny rook. (Life-listers take note.) Once a killing ground for whalers, South Georgia is now a sanctuary, an extravagant celebration of wildlife and pristine wildness. We travel with some of the best wildlife photographers on Earth, and even their best photos can’t do this spectacle justice. So, we offer images on the following pages as an invitation—to see it all yourself. TM Cover photo: A pair of adult king penguins amid fuzzy chicks with their dark brown down. -
Centenary Service of Thanksgiving for The
CENTENARY SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING FOR THE COURAGE AND ENDURANCE OF SIR ERNEST SHACKLETON CVO AND HIS MEN B CENTENARY SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING FOR THE COURAGE AND ENDURANCE OF SIR ERNEST SHACKLETON CVO AND HIS MEN WESTMINSTER ABBEY 20 MAY 2016 HRH The Princess Royal at Sir Ernest Shackleton’s grave, South Georgia. A Centre of Excellence The Scott Polar Research Institute, founded in 1920, is Arctic and Antarctic. About thirty science and social- a centre of excellence for the study of the Antarctic science doctoral and masters students are based in and Arctic, undertaking research in the natural and the Institute, the latter taking our highly regarded Polar social sciences – topics range from reconstructing the Studies course. Staff and research students are regularly growth and decay of past ice sheets to the cultures involved in field work: this year, research will take place of northern indigenous peoples. The Institute also in Greenland, Svalbard, Siberia and Antarctica. houses the world’s premier polar library, including the Shackleton Memorial Library, and Britain’s only The Polar Museum engages and informs its many dedicated Polar Museum. A replica of the James visitors about polar history and science, emphasising Caird reminds staff and visitors of the endurance and the contemporary significance of the poles in the achievements of the early polar explorers. context of global environmental change. Displays utilise the Institute’s historic collections and current scientific For almost a century, the Institute, as part of the University of Cambridge, has been an important source of information and expertise, providing a strong core of intellectual activity focused on the Arctic and Antarctic and their adjacent seas. -
Durham E-Theses
Durham E-Theses Late Holocene records of Antarctic fur Seal (Arctocephalus gazella) population variation on South Georgia, sub Antarctic Foster, Victoria A. How to cite: Foster, Victoria A. (2005) Late Holocene records of Antarctic fur Seal (Arctocephalus gazella) population variation on South Georgia, sub Antarctic, Durham theses, Durham University. Available at Durham E-Theses Online: http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/3934/ Use policy The full-text may be used and/or reproduced, and given to third parties in any format or medium, without prior permission or charge, for personal research or study, educational, or not-for-prot purposes provided that: • a full bibliographic reference is made to the original source • a link is made to the metadata record in Durham E-Theses • the full-text is not changed in any way The full-text must not be sold in any format or medium without the formal permission of the copyright holders. Please consult the full Durham E-Theses policy for further details. Academic Support Oce, Durham University, University Oce, Old Elvet, Durham DH1 3HP e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +44 0191 334 6107 http://etheses.dur.ac.uk 2 Late Holocene records of Antarctic Fur Seal {Arctocephalus gazella) population variation on South Georgia, sub Antarctic Victoria A Foster MSc by Research University of Durham Department of Geography 2005 Tbe copyright of this thesis rests with the author or the university to which it was submitted. No quotation from it, or information derived from it may be published without the prior written consent of the author or university, and any information derived from it should be acknowledged. -
Ski Expedition Across South Georgia
Ski expedition across Exclusive South Georgia PLA23, 03 - 17 December 2011(15 days), Port Stanley - Port Stanley SouthIncluding flights from SantiagoGeorgia de Chile In the footsteps of Shackleton Ski trek across South Georgia: a group of up to 12 ski explorers and 2-3 mountain guides will attempt to traverse, unsupported and self supplied, the island of South Georgia with skis hauling their own pulkas (sledges). The skiers will cover a total distance of 40 – 50 km retracing sections of the historic Shackleton route from 1916. On arrival day at King Haakon Bay, the expedition members will spend a night close to the shore preparing for the crossing. The expedition will then embark on their ski trek across alpine passes and glaciers aiming for reunion with the ship at Stromness Bay. After both expeditions have rejoined, all passengers will then continue to enjoy the latter part of the South Georgia cruise itinerary. The non skiers (those who follow the sea voyage) will also have plenty of opportunities to walk. All passengers can use snowshoes onboard, that makes walking on deep snow much easier. n: i t o d e i p x i e e s r t k o h ns f ca i t o l i p r ap o e f n i l Dea d prl 2011 i A 30 The questionnaire and registration form will be forwarded upon request. Exclusive South Georgia A postcard from South Georgia Information and requirements - Shackleton Crossing At the end of the South polar winter the heavily glaciated interior of South Georgia is covered with deep winter snow. -
British Antarctic Territory and Wider Southern Ocean Underwater Cultural Heritage Desk-Based Assessment
British Antarctic Territory and Wider Southern Ocean Underwater Cultural Heritage Desk-Based Assessment Prepared by MAST For the Government of the British Antarctic Territory February 2020 Maritime Archaeology Sea Trust Registered address: 22 Wycombe End, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire HP9 1NB MAST is a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales number 07455580 and registered charity 1140497. Website: www.thisismast.org British Antarctic Territory and Wider Southern Ocean Underwater Cultural Heritage Desk- Based Assessment CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................ 5 1 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 6 2 STUDY AREA ................................................................................................................... 7 3 PROJECT OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................ 12 4 HISTORICAL CONTEXT .............................................................................................. 13 5 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS........................................................... 47 6 REFERENCES ................................................................................................................. 51 7 APPENDIX ONE: HISTORIC SITES AND MONUMENTS ........................................ 54 8 APPENDIX TWO: STUDY AREAS AND TIMELINES .............................................. -
A Spring Expedition to the Sub-Antarctic Island of South Georgia
SOUTH GEORGIA EXPEDITION 2018 Stephen Venables in association with Pelagic Expeditions A spring expedition to the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia September 8 – October 13 2018 Sailing, wildlife and polar heritage Ski-mountaineering with the possibility of first ascents !1 SOUTH GEORGIA EXPEDITION 2018 Stephen Venables in association with Pelagic Expeditions BACKGROUND I first went to South Georgia during the austral summer of 1989-90. At the end of that expedition, when we made first ascents of Mt Kling and Mt Carse, I assumed that this was a one-off trip. How wrong I was. I have now been back six times and each time I leave the island I am even keener to return to that magical combination of ocean, glaciers and mountains, inhabited by some of the most prolific wildlife anywhere in the world. Three of my seven expeditions have been to the Salvesen Range at the little-visited southern end of the island. The most recent, in 2016, achieved several first ascents, including the spectacular Starbuck Peak. However, there is still unfinished business. Several stunning peaks remain unclimbed; regardless of summits, the route we perfected from Trolhul, at the southern tip of the island, to the immense penguin colony at St Andrew’s Bay, is a magnificent ski tour. That is our Plan A for 2018. If conditions are unsuitable, Plan B is to explore the more accessible – and slightly less weather-dependent – northwest end of the island. As usual, we also plan many other delights for the non-mountaineering sailing support team. ANTARCTICA FALKLANDS Shackleton 1916 Allardyce Range 100 miles N Salvesen !2 SOUTH GEORGIA EXPEDITION 2018 Stephen Venables in association with Pelagic Expeditions EXPEDITION LEADERS The 2018 expedition, like four previous ventures, will be led by me and the owner of the Pelagic fleet, Skip Novak, who has been sailing to remote mountains in and around Antarctica for over 25 years. -
Environmental Management Plan for South Georgia
ENVIRONMENTALMANAGEMENTPLAN FORSOUTHGEORGIA Publicconsultationpaper IssuedbyBritishAntarcticSurveyattherequestoftheGovernmentof SouthGeorgiaandtheSouthSandwichIslands February1999 Thisconsultationdocumentsetsoutproposedpoliciesunderconsiderationby theGovernmentofSouthGeorgiaandtheSouthSandwichIslandsforthe futuremanagementofSouthGeorgia.Itisissuedtosolicitcommentand suggestionsfromthepublicabouttheproposedpolicies. TheGovernmentwillconsiderallresponsesbeforefinalisingthepoliciesand makinganynecessarylegislationforthefuturemanagementoftheisland.The GovernmentexpectstopublishthepoliciesinanEnvironmentalManagement Planlaterthisyear. Viewsmaybesubmittedbyindividualsandorganisationsonalloranypartof thisdocument.Wewouldparticularlywelcomeresponsestothequestions posedinSection3. Allcommentsandsuggestionsmustbereceivedby6April1999. PLEASESENDALLCORRESPONDENCEBYLETTER,FAXOR EMAILTO: Dr.E.McIntosh BritishAntarcticSurvey HighCross MadingleyRoad CambridgeCB30ET UnitedKingdom Telephone: +44(0)1223221640 Fax: +44(0)1223362616 Email: [email protected] ENVIRONMENTALMANAGEMENTPLANFORSOUTHGEORGIA Tableofcontents 1. Introduction Page 1.1 Locationandgeneraldescription........................................................ 1 1.2 Discoveryandhistory......................................................................... 1 1.3 Currentlegalstatus............................................................................. 5 1.4 Existingandproposedlegislation....................................................... 6 2. Resourceinventory 2.1 Climate...............................................................................................