Environment

Antarctic seabed reveals a thriving ecosystem threatened by ice melt

In February 2022, Greenpeace conducted the most southerly research submarine dive ever, in the Antarctic. There, they explored the Antarctic seabed, never before seen by humans.

The team witnessed an incredible abundance of life, including corals and other vulnerable species” on the ocean floor. The slopes, canyons and walls of the ocean floor were covered with brightly-coloured corals, sponges, feather stars and countless other marine animals.

However, the team were only able to witness these never-before-seen ecosystems due to the dramatic ice melt in the Weddell Sea. It would usually be completely covered by ice, and therefore protected and inaccessible. In many of these now-uncovered areas, the depths of the ocean have never seen sunlight before.

Currently just 5 per cent of Antarctic waters are protected. Due to the team’s discoveries, seven of the sites have been designated as vulnerable marine ecosystems, protecting them from fishing.