South Georgia's waters, surrounded by glaciated mountains, are renowned for their biological diversity. In February 2025, a team of scientists embarked on an expedition to explore marine life thriving beneath the surface. This research focuses on icefish densities and Patagonian toothfish distribution, contributing to sustainable fishery management. The findings will be presented at the CCAMLR meeting in Australia, shaping the future of South Georgia’s marine ecosystems.

Exploring Marine Biodiversity Through Groundfish Surveys

This section delves into the comprehensive groundfish survey conducted aboard the Polar Seafish Vessel Sil. Led by Professor Martin Collins, the team undertook trawl surveys to investigate species such as mackerel icefish and Patagonian toothfish. With a dataset spanning 37 years, this research has become pivotal in understanding climate change impacts on the South Georgia marine ecosystem. Samples collected during the survey will aid researchers like Huw James in studying species' life histories and diets.

The expedition faced challenging weather conditions yet achieved remarkable results. More trawls and tagged Patagonian toothfish were completed than in any survey over the past two decades. Each tagged fish provides essential data on movement and growth when recaptured. Kate Owen emphasizes the importance of these findings for predicting future populations and refining fisheries quotas. The survey also ventured deeper than ever before, uncovering unique deep-sea species, thanks to funding from the UK Government’s Blue Belt Programme. Some rare specimens will join the Natural History Museum’s collection in London.

Innovative Techniques Enhance Fishery Research

A significant advancement in the survey was the trial of a Neuston Net, designed to capture larval fish at the water's surface at night. This technique offers insights into poorly understood stages in the life cycles of icefish and toothfish. Dr Lorena Romero Martinez highlights the successful deployment of the Neuston Net, which aids in identifying different species in South Georgia’s surface waters. This contributes to developing an identification guide for fishery observers and improving bycatch management in the krill fishery.

The integration of innovative techniques enhances the accuracy and scope of the research. The findings from this year’s Groundfish survey hold immense potential for influencing sustainable fishery management. Presenting these findings at the upcoming CCAMLR meeting underscores their significance in ensuring the long-term health of South Georgia’s marine ecosystems. By combining traditional methods with cutting-edge technology, the expedition sets a precedent for future marine research endeavors.