The public expects all Arctic scientists to know about polar bears, and all Antarctic scientists to be expert on the “ozone hole”. Exposure to bears or the effects of ozone depletion can result in death and are both thus newsworthy. Yet whilst deaths from bears continue to be news, some parts of the media appear to be showing “ozone fatigue” — the public are deemed to have heard enough of this story. Too bad — because the story can only get worse before it gets better.

The Antarctic is no stranger to the economic opportunist. The history of whaling, sealing and now fishing shows that no place is too remote to deter industry exploiting the resources to meet a perceived market need. But all this has changed hasn't it? Antarctica today is a pristine wilderness ‘devoted to peace and science’ as it says in the Protocol. Maybe, but the climate in Antarctica is changing in ways other than meteorological so perhaps we should look more closely see what changes are brewing.

Recent estimates report that more than eight million substances are known and that about 70 000 of them are widely exploited as pesticides, food additives, pharmaceuticals and industrial compounds with a total production of several million tons per year. The global circulation of polluting chemicals is well known to have reached even the Antarctic continent. This has resulted in an enhancement both of the baseline levels of naturally occurring organic and inorganic substances and an increasing presence of man-made compounds that simply should not be there. Localized anthropogenic activities are also contributing to the overall low yet progressive deterioration of the pristine Antarctic conditions. Local pollution may well be alleviated by a full implementation of the Madrid Protocol, but the crucial phenomena of worldwide chemical contamination will continue. To maximize the value of Antarctica as a source of global baseline data cooperative and harmonized approaches need to be adopted at the international level to monitor chemical pollution, thus avoiding useless duplication of effort and maximizing the comparability of data. From this standpoint the importance of the establishment of Antarctic environmental specimen banks cannot be exaggerated. The rationale behind such undertakings is certainly not new: specimen banks have been in operation for twenty years e.g. at the former National Bureau of Standards (now National Institute of Standards and Technology) in the USA, at the Swedish Museum of Natural History and at the Jülich Research Center in Germany.

How is your global change credibility? Does your research fit nicely into unravelling what has happened over the last few thousand years, what is happening now, what might happen in the next few years. If so, well done! Your research is probably well reviewed and well funded.

The energy expenditure of ten (five male, five female) wandering albatrosses (Diomedea exulans Linnaeus 1758) brooding chicks on Bird Island, South Georgia, was measured using doubly-labelled water. At-sea foraging behaviour was measured in the same individuals using satellite telemetry and leg-mounted activity recorders. Mean mass-specific daily energy expenditure was 341 kJ kg−1 day−1 during a mean of 4.12 days at sea and did not differ between the sexes. This is significantly lower than previously reported for the species and the lowest recorded for any albatross. There were no significant relationships between energy expenditure and the proportion of time spent flying (59.7%), distance flown (1448 km) or average speed (16.5 km h−1) suggesting that flying is not the most energetically expensive activity during foraging trips.

Sedimentological features and cluster analysis of diatom assemblages were used to investigate a local Holocene prograding sequence of marine-estuarine-lacustrine sediments. It consists of upward finning and thinning sediment cycles formed at the mouth of a meltwater stream during regional isostatic uplift, which followed early Holocene deglaciation and marine inundation events. The sequence begins in the lower Holocene sublittoral sand (marine diatoms and abundant molluscs) overlying, with a transgressive base, the deltic (?) clastic sediment marking probably one of the pre-Holocene interglacial periods (index diatom Actinocyclus ingens suggests an age >0.62 Ma). The lower Holocene marine sand was truncated by middle Holocene gravity flows, bearing volcanic ash. They were deposited in a high energy estuarine environment (brackish diatoms). The beach subsequently formed separated the estuary from the sea and changed it into a freshwater lake. Accumulation of moss and gyttja, containing a freshwater diatom assemblage, marks the final late Holocene stage of this coastal sedimentary sequence, which can be considered as typical for deglaciation periods in the maritime Antarctic.

Depth distribution data were compared for 172 European and 157 Antarctic benthic invertebrate species occurring in the respective shelf areas. Antarctic species showed significantly wider depth ranges in selected families of the groups Bivalvia, Gastropoda, Amphipoda and Decapoda. No differences were found in Polychaeta, Asteroidea and Ophiuroidea, where European species also showed comparatively wide bathymetric ranges. These extended levels of eurybathy in the Antarctic benthos may be interpreted either as an evolutionary adaptation or pre-adaptation to the oscillation of shelf ice extension during the Antarctic glacial-interglacial cycle.

Approximately 54% of the world population of southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) breeds at South Georgia. A partial survey in 1951 and a complete survey in 1985, together with counts at specific sites between these times, suggested that the population (around 100 000 breeding females) had not changed significantly in 34 years. This was in contrast to marked declines in most other populations. To examine this further, we conducted a third survey in 1995. This produced an estimate of 113 444 (se = 4902) breeding females. Taking into account improved information about the behaviour of female elephant seals since the survey in 1985, there was no significant change in the number of breeding female elephant seals between 1985 and 1995. When combined with information from the 1951 survey, this supports the view that the total population size has not changed significantly during the past 45 years. Evidence for regulation of the population by environmental factors is equivocal. We hypothesize that the lack of any net change in population size may be linked to a limited availability of high quality breeding habitat.

The results of underwater observations and sampling of krill (Euphausia superba) in the western Weddell Sea during the joint Russian-USA Ice Station Weddell-1 Expedition (11 February–9 June 1992) are presented. Krill was sampled from the same large ice floe composed of both 1- and 2-year ice as it drifted northward for a distance of c. 700 km. Abundance estimates for krill under this floe were in the range 0.1–6.25 ind m−2. Krill aggregate in areas where rafting of ice floes and formation of new ice occur, or around a protected diving hole. The krill sampled consisted mainly of furcilia 6 and post-larvae which did not belong to the 0+ group originating in this (1991–92) year, but presumably hatched in the summer season of 1990–91 and developed very slowly so that at the end of the following summer season, larval stages were still present in the population. No increase of the mean krill size was observed during 2.5 months of observation. The role of larval advection for the maintenance of krill population in the Weddell Sea is discussed.

The biota and environment of fumarolic ground recently discovered near Mount Rittmann are described. Three patches (about 1 m2 each) of the moss Pohlia nutans were found in a minor caldera rim. Cyanophytes, chlorophytes, protozoa and bacteria were isolated from the moss and warm ground (30–50°C). The results are compared with those of previous studies on Antarctic volcanoes. The origin of the geothermal flora is discussed in terms of long-distance transport of propagules to the continent.

Particulate organic matter was collected in the coastal waters of Terra Nova Bay during the Oceanographic Campaign of the Italian Antarctic Research Programme in summer (January–February) 1990. Particulate matter composition was analysed for organic carbon and nitrogen, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and ATP. A vertical stratification was evident in the study area, and resulted from prior melting of the pack ice. Suspended organic matter in the mixed layer and below the mixed layer differed in quantitative and qualitative composition. Except for ATP, all the biochemical components showed higher concentrations in the mixed layer than in the deeper waters. The particulate organic matter in Terra Nova Bay was mostly detrital and of algal origin.

For the first time, photosynthesis of Myriogramme mangini (Gain) Skottsberg, one of the dominant red macroalgae in the sublittoral of Signy Island (South Orkney Islands), was studied in situ under natural irradiance levels in specially developed incubation chambers. M. mangini is adapted to low irradiance levels. Water transparency varied over the year. A maximum attenuation coefficient (kd) of 0.328 m−1 was reached in January, and the water was clearest in September with a kd value of 0.079 m−1. Classification of the water type on a Jerlov scale, gave water type 4 in January and II in May and June. The mean kd value over the year was 0.158 m−1 and the water was classified as Jerlov's water type 1. The euphotic depths (Zeu) for 1%, 0.1% and 0.01% surface irradiance levels were 29.1 m, 43.7 m and 58.3 m, respectively. Photosynthetic characteristics were determined, with the oxygen production rates and irradiance levels measured in situ, using P-I curves. The initial saturation irradiance (Ik) varied significantly from 18.0 ± 1.5 μmol m−2 s−1 in autumn to 10.5 ± 1.8 μmol m−2 s−1 in early spring. Mean photosynthetic capacity (Pg max) ranged from 57.2 ± 1.3 μmol O2 g−1DW h−1 to 63.1 ± 1.6 μmol O2 g−1DW h−1. The photosynthetic efficiency (α) was 3.2 ± 0.2 μmol O2 g−1DW h−1 (μmol m−2 s−1)−1 in autumn and 6.0 ± 1.0 μmol O2 g−1DW h−1 (μmol m−2 s−1)−1 in early spring. Compensation irradiance (Ic) was low and ranged from 2.5 to 2.8 μmol m−2 s−1. Estimates of annual net production rates were 128.1 and 0.6 mmol O2 g−1DW y−1 at 5 m depth and 20 m depth, respectively. A maximum depth of occurrence of M. mangini was predicted at 22.9 m (2.7% of the surface irradiance).

The distribution of dimethylsulphide (DMS), together with the precursor dimethylsulphonio-propionate (DMSP) and the oxidation product dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO), was measured in melt waters on the McMurdo Ice Shelf in the immediate vicinity of Bratina Island. Conductivity in these sulphate dominated ponds was extremely variable, ranging from 0.106–52.3 mS cm−1. Similarly, chlorophyll a concentrations in the pond waters (1–150 μg 1−1) and mats (1.4–33 μg cm−2) differed considerably. The biomass was dominated by benthic felts of phototrophic cyanobacteria, which might act as a source of biogenic sulphur compounds in the ponds. The mean (and ranges) of concentrations of dissolved sulphur compounds (nmol 1−1) were: CS2 0.16 (<0.04–1.29); DMSPd 0.6 (<0.07–8.4); DMS 3.5 (<0.07–183); DMSO 27.9 (15.5–184.5). Very high concentrations of DMSO were ubiquitous in the ponds in the ice-cored moraine region of the ice shelf, with dissolved concentrations having been 1–2 orders of magnitude greater than those of DMS or DMSPd. It is difficult to ascribe the formation of DMSO solely to the conventionally accepted pathways of DMS oxidation by either bacterial activity or photochemical reactions. A direct biosynthetic production from phytoplankton or bacteria might be involved which means that DMSO in aquatic environments could act as a significant source of DMS rather than as a sink as generally supposed.

The relationship between surface sediment diatom assemblages and measured limnological variables in 33 coastal Antarctic lakes was examined by constructing a diatom-water chemistry dataset. Canonical correspondence analysis revealed that salinity and silicate each explain significant amounts of variation in the distribution and abundance of the surface sediment diatom taxa. Salinity has the strongest influence, revealing its value for limnological inference models in this coastal Antarctic region.

Reproductive allocation (reproductive biomass relative to vegetative biomass) and seed production were measured for samples of the two native phanerogams occurring in Antarctica. Material collected on South Georgia (subantarctic), Signy Island (northern maritime Antarctic) and Léonie Island (southern maritime Antarctic) allowed an initial comparison of reproduction over a wide latitudinal range. Sizes of vegetative and reproductive structures of Colobanthus quitensis were smaller in Signy Island samples than those from South Georgia or Léonie Island. This pattern was reflected in the pattern of seed production. Vegetative and reproductive structures of Deschampsia antarctica were generally similar in size at both maritime Antarctic sites, but larger at subantarctic South Georgia. Seed production was similar in each season assessed and at all three sites. In most samples of both species there were close relationships between reproductive and vegetative biomass, and seed output and reproductive biomass. Subantartic C. quitensis showed greater allocation to seed production than material from maritime Antarctic sites. D. antarctica showed the reverse pattern, with greater allocation to reproductive biomass and seed production in most samples of maritime Antarctic material, particularly those from Signy Island. Reproductive strategies do not form any specific adaptation to the Antarctic environment for these species. Reasons for the failure of other higher plants to become established in the maritime Antarctic are discussed, and it is concluded that geographical isolation is the main factor. The most important proximate factors influencing propagules which reach potential colonization sites are likely to be the short length and low temperature of the summer season in relation to the time required for establishment.

The total annual food consumption of the seabird and seal community breeding at lles Kerguelen was estimated to be 1.8×106 t in 1985. This biomass included c. 0.99×106 t (55%) of crustaceans, 0.46×106 t (26%) of myctophid fish, 0.07×106 t (4%) of other fish species, and 0.26×106 t (15%) of squid. During the same year, the mass of prey consumed in Crozet waters was previouly estimated to be 3.1×106 t, the total food consumption in the Indian Ocean area including the two archipelagos thus totalling c. 5×106 t in 1985. Four species of top predators, the king penguin, macaroni penguin, elephant seal, and fur seal, consumed 59% and 56% of the amount of prey eaten in 1985 by the whole community at Kerguelen and Crozet islands, respectively. Between 1962 and 1985, population changes of these four species induced 18 and 41% increases in their food consumption at Kerguelen and Crozet islands. Population changes included a moderate increase in the number of macaroni penguins and a marked rise of king penguin populations. Assuming that the diet of king penguin was similar in 1962 and 1985, its population increase will have required a concomitant increase of 0.6×106 t in the consumption of myctophid fish in Crozet and Kerguelen waters.

The distribution of annual mean biomass of mesozooplankton (animals in the size range 0.2–20 mm) in the upper layer (0–100 m) of the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean was mapped. The map was constructed from 4216 measurements at 2184 oceanographic stations, from the Russian and Brazilian archive records, from published sources, and from the British Oceanographic Data Centre. The annual mean mesozooplankton biomass value for the South Atlantic is estimated in this study to be 93 mg m−3 wet weight.

The fate of ice biota released via meltwater into pools of seawater trapped between melting ice floes (crack pools) was followed in late January in the southern Weddell Sea. Low salinity crack pools shared the following features: nitrate exhaustion, high pH and POC/PON ratios, high bacterial biomass composed of large cells, and a dense algal assemblage dominated to over 90% by only two diatom species. It is suggested that this “climax stage” evolved from a nutrient rich, moderate biomass situation prevailing in high salinity crack pools, and is representative of summer succession of sea ice biota. “Overflow” production following nitrate exhaustion by the algae resulted in internal (lipid) and external (presumably mucus) carbon pools. The latter must fuel bacterial biomass build-up, as algal mortality appeared to be low. The large algal and bacterial stocks point to low grazing pressure exerted by phagotrophic protists, presumably due to poor food quality (e.g. high C/N ratios) and/or excessive mucus production. It is concluded that environmental selection of the abundant ice algal species occurs under conditions prevailing in the disintegrating ice cover during summer, which differ drastically from those generally referred to as characteristic of the sea ice habitat at large (a combination of low temperature, low light and high salinity).

Antarctic penguins constitute excellent indicators of organic pollutants (PCBs, DDTs and HCHs), which reach the Antarctic either by atmospheric or maritime transport and are concentrated through the food chains. They are found mainly in lipids, both in adipose and other tissues of the organisms. Tissue samples of four gentoo and one Adélie penguins were collected during the summers of 1991, 1992 and 1993. PCBs and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were analysed in the adipose tissue, uropygeal gland, blood, brain, muscle, bone and liver. Organochlorines (OCs) were detected in the majority of the samples. The levels found in extractable fat were higher than in other tissues and the concentrations ranged from 42.3–1159.7 ng g−1 (HCB), from not detected to 39.3 ng g−1 (HCHs), from 30.8–972.3 ng g−1 (DDTs) and from 43.2–1583.6 ng g−1 (PCBs).