Antarctic research season opens with plans for record penguin census
An aerial survey will count around 200 colonies, providing data on population changes and the potential effects of krill fishing.
The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) launched its 2026/27 research season in late October with plans for Antarctica’s largest-ever penguin census. Aircraft conducting the count will fly from Rothera, Britain’s research station, and Chile’s Marsh station on King George Island.
A Twin Otter will carry cameras tested successfully during the previous season to survey around 200 colonies. The count covers Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins across the Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland, Elephant Island and South Orkney groups. Researchers will use the results to examine population shifts and possible effects of krill fishing. Data will also go to the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR).
The program also includes the first system using drones to track humpback whale body condition and demography. In another project, an international team will use the autonomous submarine Autosub Long Range to investigate variations in warm-water flows into the Amundsen Sea, which contribute substantially to ice loss in West Antarctica.
Further work will examine how compacted snow protects ice shelves against melting. Researchers working with NASA and the California Institute of Technology will also install an instrument under the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf.
The season’s opening included the departure of RRS Sir David Attenborough from the UK and the arrival of BAS aircraft at Rothera. The icebreaker is operating on hydrotreated vegetable oil biofuel as part of BAS efforts to lower emissions. Dozens of scientists and support personnel will work at Britain’s five stations.
