Scientific advisors of the Institute of Marine Biology of the University of Montenegro (IBMK), Vesna Mačić and Aleksandar Joksimović, continue their research mission in the waters of the Southern Ocean, participating in the 34th Bulgarian Antarctic Expedition.
Two scientists from Kotor boarded the Bulgarian research vessel "St. Kiril i Metodii" (RSV421) on December 20, and after sailing from the Chilean port of Punta Arenas, they arrived at the Antarctic island of Livingston, where the Bulgarian base St. Kliment Ohridski is located. From there, after a short stop to resupply the Bulgarian base, they continued sailing the ship and conducting research in the waters of the South Shetland Archipelago, with the primary goal of determining the level of presence of microplastics in the sea and marine organisms in Antarctic waters, but also studying the biodiversity of the seabed.
"So far, samples have been taken from locations near Deception Island, King George, Livingston and Snow Island. Additional sampling is planned for next month, but will depend on weather conditions. Samples for microplastic analysis are stored on board, and the final analysis will be carried out in the laboratories of the Institute of Marine Biology in Kotor. Samples of organisms from the seabed are first processed on board, as far as available equipment and literature allow, and the final analysis will follow upon return," IBMK and the University of Montenegro announced.
The research into the presence of waste in Antarctica also includes solid waste on beaches, and it is concerning that out of the six beaches that our scientists have visited so far, solid waste has been found on each one.
"Waste made of natural materials (remnants of wooden packaging, rope made of natural materials, etc.), which was most likely brought to these areas by sea currents, is not as worrying as the presence of waste made of plastic, rubber, paper, processed metal, etc.," explained the IBMK, adding that Mačić and Joksimović "tried fishing during short breaks with the members of the boat's crew, and in this way collected samples of fish specially adapted to life in extremely cold Antarctic waters."
"Given that in these harsh conditions of the Antarctic climate, all organisms must adapt adequately, a large number of species are endemic. On land, these are pioneer communities of lichens and mosses, while only two indigenous species of higher plants can be found. Samples of these plants were also collected for further laboratory analysis in Montenegro," IBMK stated.
They emphasize that colleagues from the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute, and especially the captain and crew of the ship "St. Kiril I Metodii", "are of great help to our scientists in safely and efficiently carrying out all planned activities."
"Life in Antarctic conditions is made easier by the friendly, almost family atmosphere," said the Institute, whose two scientists will return from the Antarctic mission at the end of February.
On its return to Bulgaria, IBMK will host the ship "St. Cyril and Methodius" in Kotor on April 8th and 9th, when a press conference will be organized and the results of joint research will be presented.
Bonus video:
