11/22/2007

Drake Passage, At sea

Every ship's company is a little nervous when starting out across the notorious Drake Passage that separates the Antarctic Peninsula from South America. Yet the sea conditions have not been too bad and Explorer II is a very stable vessel. So we were able to make the most of the varied programme of lectures and activities. The lectures started with Bob Burton, Michael Schmid and Larry Hobbs discussing history and workings of 'The Antarctic Treaty – Frozen Ambitions'. Patricia Silva followed with a presentation on a very serious situation affecting the Southern Ocean and seas worldwide: 'Albatross – We have a problem.' Longline fishing is destroying albatross populations but simple measures can prevent deaths.

On a lighter note in the afternoon, Bob Burton reminisced on 'When I was a lad: Two Years in Antarctica'. Bob had worked at a British Antarctic Survey station in the mid-1960s. Finally, back in serious mode, Pat Abbott, Michael Schmid, Stephanie Martin and Larry Hobbs led a lively and well-informed discussion on the issue of the day: 'Climate Change and Sustainability'.

Captain Moulds' Farewell Dinner nicely coincided with Thanksgiving and featured the traditional turkey as well as other culinary delights.