The arrival in January 2001 in the south-west Ross Sea of two giant icebergs, C16 and B15A, subsequently had dramatic affects on two emperor penguin colonies. B15A collided with the north-west tongue of the Ross Ice Shelf at Cape Crozier, Ross Island, in the following months and destroyed the penguins' nesting habitat. The colony totally failed in 2001, and years after, with the icebergs still in place, exhibited reduced production that ranged from 0 to 40% of the 1201 chicks produced in 2000. At Beaufort Island, 70 km NW of Crozier, chick production declined to 6% of the 2000 count by 2004. Collisions with the Ross Ice Shelf at Cape Crozier caused incubating adults to be crushed, trapped in ravines, or to abandon the colony and, since 2001, to occupy poorer habitat. The icebergs separated Beaufort Island from the Ross Sea Polynya, formerly an easy route to feeding and wintering areas. This episode has provided a glimpse of events which have probably occurred infrequently since the West Antarctic Ice Sheet began to retreat 12 000 years ago. The results allow assessment of recovery rates for one colony decimated by both adult and chick mortality, and the other colony by adult abandonment and chick mortality.

This study of the relationships between the Antarctic, sub-Antarctic and South America biogeographical regions used both existing and new data. We constructed a presence/absence matrix of 237 species for 27 biogeographical divisions which included the Amsterdam-Saint Paul and Tristan da Cunha islands. Species and areas were classified using cluster analysis combined with MDS ordination. Six main groups were obtained from the species classification: 1) Amsterdam-Saint Paul, and 2) Tristan da Cunha species, 3) species from the Macquarie Province, 4) species from the sub-Antarctic Region, 5) Antarctic species and species distributed in the cold regions, 6) South American species. The biogeographical components were dominated by the endemic (although it is not as high as in other groups), Antarctic-South America and Southern Hemisphere elements. Except for Amsterdam-Saint Paul, Tristan da Cunha and Bouvet, the areas considered were grouped together with Macquarie being rather related to New Zealand regions. We speculate that the Antarctic Region may have acted as an “evolutionary incubator”, providing a centre of origin for sub-Antarctic and South American ascidians.

Krill are thought to be predominantly herbivorous, but a heterotrophic diet might be crucial for their growth and survival. To compare the influence of herbivory and carnivory on krill we conducted a nine month feeding trial. We examined lipid composition of the hepatopancreas, abdomen and remaining body portions of krill fed diatoms at bloom condition levels, and diatoms with the addition of pellets or minced clam meat to simulate a partly carnivorous diet. Mortality, dry mass and lipid content were similar among treatments. We examined lipid class and fatty acid profiles, with emphasis placed on the ratio of storage (triacylglycerol) to structural (polar lipid) lipid and key essential omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: 20:5ω3 and 22:6ω3. The triacylglycerol : polar lipid ratio increased in krill fed on the mixed diet as did the 20:5ω3 : 22:6ω3 ratio. Overall these findings indicate that provision of clam in the diet improved krill condition, and further suggest that carnivory may aid krill growth in the wild under certain environmental conditions.

New micro-technology with links to satellites has revolutionized the collection of information on the foraging movements of marine animals, but observations of actual foraging are still very rare. Here we describe foraging by killer whales (Orcinus orca (L.)), minke whales (Balaenoptera bonaerensis Burmeister), Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae (Hombron & Jacquinot)) and emperor penguins (Aptenodytes forsteri Gray), in all cases we believe feeding on fish, in the south-western Ross Sea, Antarctica.

South Africa is currently proclaiming a Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of its sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Islands. The objectives of the MPA are to: 1) contribute to a national and global representative system of MPAs, 2) serve as a scientific reference point to inform future management, 3) contribute to the recovery of the Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides), and 4) reduce the bird bycatch of the toothfish fishery, particularly of albatrosses and petrels. This study employs systematic conservation planning methods to delineate a MPA within the EEZ that will conserve biodiversity patterns and processes within sensible management boundaries, while minimizing conflict with the legal toothfish fishery. After collating all available distributional data on species, benthic habitats and ecosystem processes, we used C-Plan software to delineate a MPA with three management zones: four IUCN Category Ia reserves (13% of EEZ); two Conservation Zones (21% of EEZ); and three Category IV reserves (remainder of EEZ). Compromises between conservation target achievement and the area required by the MPA are apparent in the final reserve design. The proposed MPA boundaries are expected to change over time as new data become available and as impacts of climate change become more evident.

Conservation of the high seas marine environment poses a significant challenge to policy-makers and managers. Marine conservation efforts are often hindered by the lack of data and the difficulties in addressing multiple, and typically conflicting uses. The majority of extant Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are in coastal or tropical regions within national jurisdiction. Conservation of high seas MPAs has emerged on the international agenda as a critical issue requiring the application of novel approaches, international cooperation and political will. Knowledge and understanding of the marine environment and data on marine biodiversity are all typically limited for the high seas, and the use of surrogates to assist in the identification of areas of high conservation value is one possible mechanism to address and potentially overcome these limitations. Drawing upon a database spanning more than 20 years and containing approximately 140 000 records of seabird sightings at sea, this study assesses the potential use of seabirds as surrogates for marine biodiversity in the Indian sector of the Southern Ocean. At-sea ranges, species diversity and the distributions of endangered species may be appropriate selectors or filters to identify areas with high conservation values. Integrating policy with science provides an appropriate mechanism to identify and prioritise MPAs in the Southern Ocean.

The Antarctic toothfish (Dissostichus mawsoni Norman) has been considered an occasional large prey item of the Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddellii Lesson) (Kooyman 1967, Calhaem & Christoffel 1969, Testa et al. 1985, Castellini et al. 1992, Davis et al. 1999, Fuiman et al. 2002). The seal's most common prey is the Antarctic silverfish (Pleuragramma antarcticum Boulenger) as well as benthic and sub-ice fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans (Dearborn 1965, Green & Burton 1987, Plotz 1987, Plotz et al. 1991, Castellini et al. 1992, Burns et al. 1998).

The formation of a pronival (protalus) rampart on sub-Antarctic Marion Island is investigated. Morphological attributes show debris at the angle of repose on the rampart's proximal slope and at a lower angle on the distal slope. Relative-age dating, based on the percentage moss cover and weathering rind thickness of the clastic component, indicates accumulation mainly on the proximal slope and rampart crest, implying upslope (retrogressive) accumulation. This contrasts with a previously published model for pronival ramparts, which proposes rampart growth by addition of material to the distal slope. Development of the Marion Island rampart is suggested to result from the control exerted by a relatively low-angled surface and a shrinking snowbed. A small debris step formed on the proximal slope appears to be a response to decreased snowfalls due to changing climate over the last c. 50 years. Growth rate of the rampart is considered to be variable during the Holocene in response to changes in climate and debris supply.

The Rauer Group, in Prydz Bay, contains reworked Archaean-Proterozoic crust in high-strain zones that formed during a pervasive high-temperature ductile deformation event related to intracratonic mechanisms. The effects of this event extend southwards from Prydz Bay into the southern Prince Charles Mountains. The associated structural evolution involved development of ductile and brittle structures that formed during an approximately north–south directed transpressional deformation event that is confined to high-grade (>800°C) shear zones in the Rauer Group. Minerals from the Rauer Group, yield 40Ar/39Ar cooling ages ranging from 560 to 460 Ma. Thermal histories derived from hornblende, biotite and feldspar suggest that the onset of rapid cooling began sometime prior to 510 Ma with cooling rates of c. 42 to 33°C myr-1 from c. 510 Ma to c. 500 Ma. Whereas, 40Ar/39Ar data obtained from plagioclase and K–feldspar suggest a slower cooling from c. 500 Ma to c. 460 Ma with cooling rates from 5 to 2°C myr-1. These results demonstrate that the early Palaeozoic cooling history and comparable palaeostress regimes are regionally extensive, which has important implications for the tectonothermal and stress-field variability across Gondwana. The elevated thermal conditions would induce lithospheric weakening and promote the early Palaeozoic intraplate orogeny observed in eastern Antarctica with the development of a large intracratonic shear system.

Whilst interest in the economic exploitation of the Southern Ocean resources dates back to the last part of the 18th century scientific research into elements of the marine ecosystem only began in the mid 19th century. As far as plankton and benthos are concerned the great exploratory voyages and expeditions laid a firm taxonomic foundation on which later work was built. The most outstanding expedition contribution was from the Discovery Investigations. Concern about uncontrolled exploitation stimulated the SCAR BIOMASS programme which in turn led to CCAMLR with its modelling programmes and top predator monitoring. Recent research on pack ice communities has been aided by dedicated ice-capable research vessels whilst unmanned photographic techniques as well as SCUBA diving and experimental research facilities in the Antarctic have encouraged major research on benthos. International collaboration, interdisciplinary research and good ideas suggest Antarctic marine biology has a bright future.

We compared, for the first time the foraging ecology of both sexes of the blue-eyed Crozet shag (Phalacrocorax melanogenis), using ventrally attached time depth recorders to investigate differences in time-budget and diving behaviour between the sexes during the chick-rearing. Males were the only ones to dive over 55 m. Females dived mostly between 15 and 35 m, a zone poorly used by males. Females foraged mostly in the morning and males in the afternoon. Females also spent one hour longer diving per day compared to males. There were differences in diving strategies and diet, indicating that both sexes targeted essentially the same prey, but of different sizes, males specializing in bigger fish. Although the relationship between sexual dimorphism and diving depth was positive (larger animals diving deeper), evidence suggests that body size (in terms of oxygen storage capacity) is not sufficient to explain so many differences in foraging ecology. Instead, we propose prey size (possibly driven by a limitation of prey handling ability in relation to beak size) could be an essential factor in shaping the male/female behavioural segregation in the Crozet shag; future studies should concentrate on this particular aspect.

In this review we consider the physical processes that shape inland aquatic ecosystems and how these affect ecosystem processes, with particular focus on the nitrogen cycle. Inland Antarctica is dominated by microbial communities that are usually concentrated in, or adjacent to, habitats with free water. The presence of free vs frozen water is dependent on very small changes in temperature around 0°C, so significant variability in the distribution of free water can be expected in response to variations in climate over diel, decadal, to millennial time scales and a range of spatial scales. Antarctic inland waters take many forms: snow-surface melt pockets, cryoconites, basal regions of wet-based glaciers, ponds (varying in salinity and degree of desiccation), melt streams, perennially and seasonally ice covered lakes and even hypersaline, ice free lakes. The important processes and transformations that characterize the nitrogen cycle worldwide have all been identified in Antarctic inland waters and in some cases (e.g. N-uptake, N-fixation), rates are similar to those at lower latitudes. The unique features of Antarctic ecosystems stem from the extreme and variable physical conditions under which these processes operate rather than any unique ecosystem processes per se.

Glacial and post-glacial shelf sedimentation near the Larsen C and former Larsen B ice shelves is compared to records from ice shelves farther north, which underwent mid-Holocene retreat. A core from Larsen C comprises a lower unit of deformation till, overlain by thick mud interpreted as water lain from suspension under the ice shelf. Iceberg-rafted debris occurs only in the top 50 cm, suggesting that prior to that layer's deposition, the ice shelf had not receded past the site since the last deglaciation. Subsequently the site appears to have been seasonally ice free, and the ice shelf has retreated further and is now 15 km landward of the site. A core from Larsen B also consists of a lower unit, interpreted as sub-glacial lodgement till. The overlying mud is thinner, more poorly sorted, with evidence of powerful winnowing of sediments suggesting strong currents. The absence of iceberg-rafted debris implies that this site was covered by an ice shelf continuously from the last deglaciation until its collapse in 2002. Strong currents could have facilitated basal erosion, contributing to its collapse. The Larsen C shelf is also thinning and historical records show retreat in the last hundred years. With continued rising temperatures, Larsen C may eventually retreat to a point at which it collapses.

The Selborne Group comprises two metamorphic rock units, the muscovite±dolomite bearing Madison Marble and the biotite-muscovite±quartz-calcite Contortion Schist, which contains thick lenses of variably deformed metabasalts and metaconglomerates. Petrological and structural data indicate a polyphase metamorphic evolution including: i) an early stage of upper greenschist regional metamorphism (P = ~0.15–0.3 GPa; T = ~380–450°C), ii) prograde metamorphism during D1 up to amphibolite facies peak conditions (P = 0.58–0.8 GPa, T = ~560–645°C), iii) syn-D2 unloading-cooling retrograde metamorphism, iv) a post-D2 contact metamorphic overprint at variable T between 450 and 550°C and ~0.2 GPa connected to the emplacement of granitic plutons and felsic dyke swarms. Geochronological data constrain the polyphase syn-D1/D2 evolution between ~ 510 and 492 Ma. A similar metamorphic path, including a medium P stage but at lower T conditions, is documented in greenschist facies metabasalts within the Byrd Group in the Mount Dick area. The metamorphic pattern and close lithostratigraphic matching between Selborne Group and Byrd Group sharply contrast with the high-grade Horney Formation that is exposed north of the Byrd Glacier and corroborate the hypothesis that the Byrd Glacier discontinuity marks a first-order crustal tectonic boundary crossing the Ross orogen.

We analysed histological characteristics of gonads and reproductive effort of the small deep-living dragonfishes Akarotaxis nudiceps (Waite) and Bathydraco marri Norman collected in the south-western Ross Sea. From a macroscopic point of view, most specimens of B. marri were juveniles in early stages of gonad maturity, except for a maturing female. Conversely, the sample of A. nudiceps was composed of both immature and adult fish in different stages of maturity. A single A. nudiceps female was mature with a gonadosomatic index of 9.8%. Its absolute and relative fecundity was 260 oocytes and 31.5 oocytes g−1 TW, respectively, with a mean size of ripe oocytes of 1.9 mm. Gametogenesis in both species closely resembled that observed in other notothenioids, with females possessing two well-defined groups of oocytes. One group consisted of previtellogenic oocytes as a reserve stock while the other group was maturing oocytes to be ovulated in the current spawning season. A distinctive feature of oogenesis in recovering and maturing females of A. nudiceps was the presence of both postovulatory follicles in different stages of reabsorption and atretic oocytes. Based on low absolute fecundity, it is possible that A. nudiceps provides parental care and egg guarding.

Usnea species of the Neuropogon group are amongst the most widespread and abundant macrolichens in Antarctic regions. Four principal species, U. antarctica, U. aurantiaco-atra, U. sphacelata and U. subantarctica, have been described on morphological grounds. However, identification to species level is often difficult and atypical morphologies frequently arise. Over 400 specimens were collected on the Antarctic Peninsula and Falkland Islands. Both morphological and molecular characters (ITS and RPB1) were used to compare samples to clarify taxonomic relationships. Morphological characteristics used included presence of apothecia, apothecial rays, soredia, papillae, fibrils, pigmentation and the diameter of the central axis as a proportion of branch diameter. Results revealed a very close relationship between U. antarctica and U. aurantiaco-atra, suggesting that they might constitute a species pair or be conspecific. Usnea sphacelata was comprised of at least two genetically distinct groups with no clear differences in morphology. One group included the first reported fertile specimen of this species. Usnea subantarctica was phylogenetically distinct from the other main Antarctic Usnea species, but clustered with U. trachycarpa. Genetic variation was evident within all species although there was no clear correlation between geographic origin and genetic relatedness. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that species circumscription in the Neuropogon group needs revision, with the principal species being non-monophyletic. None of the morphological characters, or groups of characters, used in this study proved to be completely unambiguous markers for a single species. However, axis thickness was supported as being informative for the identification of monophyletic lineages within the group.

Precambrian continental extension is described in detail for the first time in the Victoria Land segment of the Transantarctic Mountains and is comparable with plume related intercontinental rifting of the Afar area, Africa. The Baronick Formation comprises igneous-derived conglomerate, marble and volcanic to sub-volcanic igneous layers. Volcanic and carbonate horizons were eroded in a fluvial or marine environment and provided debris for mass flow and slump deposits which formed in a marginal marine basin in the Precambrian. Clasts in these deposits include basalt, trachyte and comendite, and along with the interbedded volcanic layers of basalt, trachyte and quartz syenite, indicate proximity and contemporaneity of volcanic activity. Igneous layers and source rocks for clasts of the Baronick Formation have an enriched MORB chemistry and underwent albitization of calcic feldspar before erosion and conglomerate deposition. The Highway Suite forms a kilometre-scale body of gabbro and dolerite plugs and is interpreted as a slice of transitional continental oceanic crust. The chemistry of all igneous rocks suggests a continental rift environment and the associated sediments are consistent with such a setting. The Baronick Formation was locally intruded by sills of the Highway Suite; however, the main body of the Highway Suite was juxtaposed against the Baronick Formation during greenschist facies shearing before c. 551 Ma.

Antarctic krill has been studied for many decades, but we are still long way from understanding their biology to be able to make reliable predictions about the reaction of their populations to environmental change. This is partly due to certain difficulties in relation to logistics, operations and survey design associated with scientific surveys that have been obstacles for us to better understand krill biology. The krill fishery is the largest fishery in the Southern Ocean, continuously operating since early 1970s. Recent studies revealed its potential to be used as a unique source for scientific discussions to understand krill biology. In this paper, after a brief overview of krill fishery operation and krill biology, we examine how current data collection through the fishery operation could contribute to a greater understanding of krill biology, and then suggest future priorities for fisheries-related research in relation to recent changes in the Southern Ocean environment.

The late Quaternary glacial history of the Amery Oasis, and Prince Charles Mountains is of significant interest because about 10% of the total modern Antarctic ice outflow is discharged via the adjacent Lambert Glacier system. A glacial thrust moraine sequence deposited along the northern shoreline of Radok Lake between 20–10 ka bp, overlies a layer of thin, aragonite crusts which provide important constraints on the glacial history of the Amery Oasis. The modern Radok Lake is fed by the terminal meltwaters of the alpine Battye Glacier. The aragonite crusts were deposited in shallow water of ancestral Radok Lake 53 ka bp, during the A3 warm event in Isotope Stage 3. Oxygen isotope (δ18O) analysis of the last glacial-age aragonite crusts indicates that they precipitated from freshwater with a δ18OSMOW composition of -36%, which is 8% more depleted than the present water (-28%) in Radok Lake. A regional oxygen isotope (δ18O) and elevation relationship for snow is used to determine the source of meltwater and glacial ice in Radok Lake during the A3 warm event. This relationship indicates that Radok Lake received meltwater from the confluence of both Battye Glacier ice and an expansion of grounded western Lambert Glacier ice in the Amery embayment.