Issue 13: 2007

Turning Antarctic science into policy In this issue of the Australian Antarctic Magazine we look at the connections between Antarctic science and policy and how the Australian Antarctic Division is increasing and strengthening them. The issue also contains stories about three new marine mammal projects, working in Antarctica, and our Antarctic Arts Fellows.
Science and policy in the marine realm  The policy and science of conservation and management of living resources - such as krill, fish, seabirds and whales - in the Southern Ocean, are closely intertwined.
Licensed for krill 'Krill wrangler', So Kawaguchi, is a driving force in advancing the scientific understanding of krill biology and behaviour, and the practical, sustainabile management of the Southern Ocean krill fishery.
Connecting Antarctic climate science and policy  Climate research at the Australian Antarctic Division contributes to a vast body of global climate research that informs Australian and international climate policy.
Counting whales in the ice For the first time Australia will use aircraft to count minke whales in the pack ice around Antarctica.
Practical management of Southern Ocean fisheries  Australian Antarctic Division science is instrumental in the development of Australia's well-founded policies on managing fisheries in the Southern Ocean.
Antarctic Animals in popular culture How do books and films influence public attitudes towards animals in Antarctica? A new Discovery grant project aims to find out.
Monitoring Australia`s oceans  The new Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) is using a battery of high-tech instruments and infrastructure to monitor physical ocean changes and track the movement of sea creatures around Australia. IMOS will also incorporate the first Australian plankton survey and Southern Ocean plankton surveys, which are studying changes in plankton.
Collaborative East Antarctic Marine Census  This tri-nation census will reveal the processes behind the evolution and survival of marine life in the Antarctic region, providing valuable information that will allow scientists to predict how these organisms may respond to climate change.
Rebuilding the ozone layer  International Ozone day on 16 September 2007 marked the 20th anniversary of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. In a related article, the first harbingers of ozone depletion - Polar Stratospheric Clouds - were detected over Davis in May, by scientists operating the Antarctic Division's atmospheric lidar.
Defining bioregions for biodiversity conservation  The first steps towards defining Marine Protected Areas in the Southern Ocean have been taken.
Biological prospecting in Antarctica  The growth of genetic and biochemical research techniques has stimulated interest in the search for useful and beneficial compounds and gene sequences hidden in Antarctica's biodiversity.
New minerals discovered in the Larsemann Hills  Australian and US scientists have discovered four new minerals in the Larsemann Hills. The region's unique mineralogy and other important environmenal, scientific and aesthetic values, led the Committee for Environmental Protection to this year designate the Larsemann Hills as an Antarctic Specially Managed Area.
Antarctic discussion hots up  A report of this year's Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting in New Delhi.
Australian tourists in Antarctica  Australian Antarctic tourism companies offer an increasing range of non-traditional tourism experiences.
Weather beaten hut given extra protection  Conservation of Mawson's Huts continues
New regulations for an expanding krill fishery  The 2007 meeting of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources resulted in new regulatory measures for the expanding krill fishery in the Southern Ocean.
Snowfall in Antarctica and rainfall in Australia  Research into snowfall variability at Law Dome suggests that it may be linked to climate in south-west Western Australia.
Pesticides found in penguin colonies  Adelie penguin colonies in Antarctica magnify the comtamination of surrounding soil with toxic pollutants originating from other parts of the world.
Humpback whale identi-kit more than a fluke  Just as humans can be identified by their facial features, humpback whales have identifying features on their tails or 'flukes'.
Population survey pilots unmanned aircraft  Robotic aircraft or 'Unmanned Aerial Vehicles' could soon take to the skies in the name of marine mammal research.
Getting a fast lock on dugong locations  New generation satellite tag technology promises to improve scientific understanding of dugong movement and habitat use.
All creatures great, small and Antarctic  Veterinarian, Dr Phil Tucak, leapt at the chance to work with Weddell seals.
A year at Wilkes  When Don Butling applied to be a plumber in Antarctica almost 50 years ago, he never expected to have his teeth removed.
Mad about mosses  The Curator of the Antarctic Division's herbarium is a talented and passionate illustrator of mosses, liverworts and lichens.
First Antarctic flight for the Airbus A319  Australia's new Airbus A319 made its first touchdown in Antarctica at America's McMurdo base on 19 November 2007.
Women wired for Antarctic experience  For the first time, Mawson station has an all-female telecommunications team.
Kids` Antarctic art  With the help of school children around the world, artist, Alison Lester, created a stunning exhibition of Antarctic images.
Antarctic outreach  Read the latest news on our Australian Antarctic Arts Fellows - past and present.
In brief  Antarctic Station Leaders, awards, and exhibitions.
Freeze Frame Aleks Teraud's image of an 'Adelie penguin flying' won the Animal Behaviour category of the 2007 ANZANG photography competition.
Australian Antarctic Magazine Issue 13, 2007  View the full pdf of the magazine (2.9Mb)
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