Maritime Vessels: Indelible Remnants Submerged Deep Below
Unregulated Anchors Threaten Antarctica's Seafloor
Embrace the chilly waters teeming with unique life as you dive deep into the icy depths surrounding Antarctica's continental edge. Around 4,000 species inhabit this desolately pristine wilderness, far from human influences. Yet, marine biologist Matthew Mulrennan's latest research indicates that our presence on these icy waters could be causing severe and lasting damage - by anchoring.
"Anchors and chains are tearing apart the seafloor ecosystem, leaving deep scars and barren wastelands," said Mulrennan. Strict environmental protection regulations may govern Antarctic activities, but anchoring remains an almost unfettered practice.
In 2022/2023, a tourist ship sailing in the region unknowingly offered marine conservationist Christopher Darwin the chance to capture the first underwater footage of documented anchor scars in Antarctic waters. As Darwin's camera rolled, it documented immense destruction at 36 locations along the Antarctic Peninsula and around South Georgia Island.
At Yankee Harbour, a popular destination for expedition ships, deep scratches, displaced sediments, and nearly lifeless seafloor stretched out. Yet, just a few meters away from the devastation, the marine ecosystem thrived - bustling with swarms of starfish, crabs, squid, and fish species. "The damage we documented barely missed three giant tube worms," said Mulrennan. These ancient organisms, living up to 15,000 years, are among the Earth's oldest known animals.
Marine geophysicist Sally Watson from New Zealand's National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research explains, "Anchors can crush everything in their path and leave deep, potentially lifeless zones. The heavy chains connecting the anchors cause the most destruction, scraping over sensitive habitats as they're dragged across the seafloor." To add to the concern, Watson believes the recovery process may slow down with increasing latitudes, given the slower growth rate of organisms in colder waters.
During the 2022/23 Antarctic season, at least 195 ships measured in anchoring depths were observed. Tourism and research vessels, fishing boats, and private yachts contributed to this number, with experts assuming that more ships operate in the region without permission.
The issue has prompted calls to action from both Mulrennan and Watson, urging regulation of Antarctic tourism as the number of annual tourists is projected to rise to over 450,000 by 2033 - a fourfold increase. lungs Sign up for our weekly newsletter, nd.DieWoche, to stay updated on the most pressing topics of the week.
Possible solutions for minimizing damage include designated "mooring zones," in which all ships would anchor within defined areas; fixed moorings for secure ship attachment, although they're subject to extreme weather and drifting icebergs; and dynamic positioning systems that maintain position without touching the seabed, as used by some ships already.
As the seas die down and ship access expands due to climate change, the concern grows even more critical. Scientists are advocating for immediate attention to preserve Antarctica's unique and ancient marine ecosystems.
[1] Anchoring impacts on the marine ecosystems around Antarctica[2] Ship anchoring in Antarctic waters: Omissions within existing regulations[3] Environmental concerns related to anchoring in the Antarctic: An annotated bibliography[4] Antarctic Environment and Management Protocol[5] Recommendations for Best Practices in Mooring and Anchoring
Implications for Weather & Climate: Climate change could exponentially increase aquatic tourism industries, leading to escalated impacts on the environment from nautical activities, such as ship anchoring, resulting in lost ecosystems, reduced biodiversity, and the degradation of ecosystem services. As the gravity of climate change frames the broader global discussion on sustainable development, it's essential to examine potential adjustments in both industry practices and policy frameworks to minimize human-induced harm within natural habitats.
