NIWA

Epic Antarctic voyage complete: analysis begins

26 March 2008

NIWA’s ice-strengthened research vessel Tangaroa has now returned from its latest voyage to Antarctica.

26 March 2008

A multi-agency team of 26 scientists and 18 crew endured the worst ice conditions documented in the Ross Sea in 30 years. They worked around the clock to complete the most comprehensive survey of marine life ever undertaken in the Ross Sea region. Analysis of more than 30,000 specimens and other data collected during the 50-day voyage will take at least three years.

More information:

Discoveries so far: Ministerial media release
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/antarctic+voyagers+return+scientific+treasures

Details of the NZ IPY-CAML project: NZ Ministry of Fisheries
http://www.fish.govt.nz/en-nz/Environmental/Seabed+Protection+and+Research/IPY+CAML/default.htm

Reports from the ship
http://www.niwascience.co.nz/rc/antarctica/ipy-caml

Educational material: the NZ Science Learning Hub
http://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/contexts/icy_ecosystems/nz_research/new_zealand_ipy_caml_voyage_to_the_southern_ocean

Videos from the voyage: Cousteau Society
http://www.cousteau.org/caml/

Census of Antarctic Marine Life
http://www.caml.aq/voyages/tangaroa-2007-2008/index.html

Tangaroa Master Andrew Leachman studying an ice map on the bridge. (Photo: Peter Marriott, NZ IPY-CAML)

Tangaroa crew work through a snow storm to retrieve the Brenke sled - a device for sampling organisms that live on and just above the seafloor. Credit: Glen Walker, NZ IPY-CAML