Category Archives: Antarctica & the Southern Ocean

Protecting our Frozen Planet

Returning to Antarctic waters on the Our Far South voyage, WWF Marine Advocate Bob Zuur reflects on protecting this unique – and changing – wilderness. One hundred years ago Robert Falcon Scott reached the South Pole. Fifty years ago … Continue reading →

April 23, 2012
Posted by Bob Zuur

Observation Hill, Antarctica © WWF Bob Zuur

Our Far South: reaching Scott base

McMurdo Sound (Latitude 77o51’S, longitude 166o37’E) The sun set at 12:06 last night, setting the ablaze the snow drifting off the tops of the Transantarctic Mountains. That was the finale of a spectacular recital that commenced with a prelude in … Continue reading →

March 07, 2012
Posted by Bob Zuur

Our Far South Voyage: First Icebergs & Memorial for a Scientist

I saw my first iceberg today. Out of the cabin window, glinting in the morning sun. Victor (my cabin mate) woke through my excitement and together we sprinted up to the bridge. We saw that “my” ‘berg was but one … Continue reading →

February 27, 2012
Posted by Bob Zuur

Our Far South Voyage: Macquarie Island

You’d think it was Australia Day as we arrived at Macquarie Island just after midnight, this being Aussie territory. Ribbons of green light from a magnificent aurora lit up the starry sky. Auroras depend on solar flares from the sun … Continue reading →

February 21, 2012
Posted by Bob Zuur

Our Far South voyage: Final preparations

I wonder what the last items on Scott’s packing list were as he prepared for his fateful expedition to the South Pole a little over a century ago? My name is Bob Zuur. I’m a marine biologist and Marine Advocate … Continue reading →

February 09, 2012
Posted by Bob Zuur

Macquarie Island pest eradication project begins

An agreement by the Australian and Tasmanian Governments to fund the eradication of rodents and rabbits on Macquarie Island was a large win for WWF-Australia in 2007. WWF-Australia campaigned heavily to protect Macquarie Island and it is great to see … Continue reading →