Elephant Island: An Oasis for Fin Whales in an Icy Sea

A hydrophone reveals a vital Antarctic feeding and breeding ground for the world’s second-largest whale.

Jul 26, 2021 | 750 words, about 3 minutes

How Rivers in the Sky Melted Antarctic Ice

New research is causing scientists to rethink how polynyas—massive holes in the sea ice—are formed.

Feb 25, 2021 | 700 words, about 3 minutes

Blinded by the Light

In the Southern Ocean, bioluminescent animals deploy light to evade attacks from hungry elephant seals.

Oct 7, 2020 | 550 words, about 2 minutes

Kelp Rafts Are Bringing Invaders to Antarctica

Animals have long rafted around the planet, but the southern continent was considered too remote, too isolated, and too cold for that to be a problem—until now.

Feb 26, 2020 | 600 words, about 3 minutes

Coastal Job: Antarctic Whale Researcher

One of Ukraine’s few marine mammal specialists defies loneliness and frosty temperatures to study whales in the Southern Ocean.

Sep 27, 2019 | 650 words, about 3 minutes

Frozen Ocean

A photographic primer on the dynamics of marine ice.

Sep 24, 2018 | 1,300 words, 14 photos

Turning Birds into Spies Against Illegal Fishing

Could albatrosses wearing trackers be a weapon against illegal fishing?

Apr 9, 2018 | 600 words, about 3 minutes

Animal Trainers Gone Wild

A research team says no to drugs and uses the skills of animal trainers to calm wild Weddell seals.

Feb 13, 2018 | 850 words, about 4 minutes