Happy voyagers, but no sign of Happy Feet
Antarctic eco-expedition did what it set out to do – to raise awareness about the region and the issues it faces. Matt Stewart reports.
VOYAGERS on philanthropist Gareth Morgan’s Antarctic ecoexpedition thought they had found Happy Feet at Shackleton’s Hut near Scott Base. They spotted a lone teenage emperor penguin among a colony of adelie penguins. ‘‘It seemed like a classic Happy Feet thing to do,’’ Morgan Foundation researcher Geoff Simmons said. ‘‘Alas, we couldn’t spot the tag . . .’’
Mr Simmons was one of 50 voyagers who returned last weekend after setting sail for Antarctica in February aboard the Russian icebreaker the Spirit of Enderby as part of the Our Far South: Beyond Stewart Island expedition to raise awareness about the sub-antarctic region in New Zealand’s southern ocean and the issues that face this chilly climatic barometer.
He said the goal of looking at climate change, territorial aspirations, protection of biodiversity, overfishing, tourism and mineral exploration in the region had been achieved and that knowledge would now be shared on a national school roadshow over the next few months.
Along the way various scientists, personalities and everyday Kiwis experienced and saw things many of us never will, including confronting sea lions.
‘‘They can be like teenagers, very aggressive and intimidating but it’s all show,’’ he said. ‘‘They will charge and bark at you. If you stay still and calm they eventually get bored and leave. If you flinch they will smell fear and keep coming at you. It is quite a lesson in dealing with fear.’’
With biosecurity key, keeping the sub-antarctic islands pristine was a priority. Voyagers had to vacuum their clothes and bags for seeds and other parasites, and were issued plastic bags’’.
‘‘Everyone was a bit taken aback by the thought of pooing in a bag,’’ Mr Simmons said. ‘‘So for all the days spent on the islands only one got used . . . as far as I know.’’
The trip would not have been complete without an Antarctic polar plunge. Some braved the icy water without togs – and a Borat-style mankini even made an appearance.
‘‘Once you get that far south, the water is warmer than the air, so the worst bit is actually running down the gangplank,’’ Mr Simmons said.
Comedian Te Radar, no stranger to travelling, was quite taken aback by his first trip to the southern climes.
‘‘The thing that really surprised me was the jewels in our island crown –
‘‘poo Auckland Island, Enderby Island, the Snares, the Antipodes – places that you always hear about.
‘‘In some ways they’re slightly mystical. To tread upon their soil within metres of sea lion and albatrosses. It was pretty neat.’’
Niwa general manager research Rob Murdoch said the trip had been galvanising for scientific knowledge and had reaffirmed priorities for ongoing research.
The area was a bellwether for what could happen to New Zealand’s climate and ecology, he said.
‘‘The climate in Antarctica, subAntarctica and the Southern Ocean is changing, there is no doubt. We’re seeing some reductions of some species like albatross, penguins and elephant seals due to environmental change.’’