Urgent Call for Protection of Antarctic Seabed Amid Rising Ship Traffic

As ship traffic around Antarctica continues to increase, scientists are raising alarms about the detrimental impacts of anchoring on the continent's vulnerable seafloor ecosystem. Marine biologist Matthew Mulrennan, founder of the nonprofit KOLOSSAL, recently documented significant damage to the seabed during a survey conducted along the Antarctic Peninsula. His findings, published in a study in *Frontiers in Conservation Science*, highlight the severe and often irreversible consequences of anchoring on the region’s biodiversity.

In his observations, Mulrennan noted that the seabed was marred by deep scars caused by anchors and their chains, which can displace up to 80 centimeters of sediment. The resulting damage leaves behind barren patches that can take centuries to recover, particularly in a region known for its unique ecological characteristics. "Most visitors want to see the penguins, seals, and whales," Mulrennan stated, emphasizing that the real ecological action occurs beneath the surface, where 95% of Antarctica's biodiversity resides.

With retreating sea ice facilitating increased access for ships, including tourist vessels, the urgency for protective measures has never been greater. According to Sally Watson, a geophysicist at Earth Sciences New Zealand and a co-author of the study, anchoring’s impact is on par with that of bottom trawling, a practice known for its destructive effects on marine ecosystems. Watson's previous research, published in 2022, estimated the global footprint of anchoring, revealing its extensive and often overlooked environmental consequences.

The Antarctic seabed is home to many unique species, including the giant volcano sponge and the 50-armed death star starfish, both of which are critical to the region's ecological balance. These slow-growing organisms are particularly susceptible to damage from anchoring, with recovery times estimated to span hundreds, if not thousands, of years, as opposed to the decade it might take for faster-growing species in warmer waters to rebound.

Lloyd Peck, a marine biologist at the British Antarctic Survey, acknowledged that while iceberg scouring also poses a threat to the seafloor, the locations where anchoring occurs are of particular concern. "This is about disrupting sheltered areas that icebergs can’t reach," Peck explained, emphasizing that such areas could serve as refuges for biodiversity. The potential for significant disruption to these ecosystems necessitates immediate action to regulate anchoring practices in Antarctic waters.

Despite strict conservation regulations governing activities in Antarctica, anchoring remains largely unregulated, raising concerns among experts regarding the long-term sustainability of the region's delicate ecosystems. To mitigate the impacts of anchoring, Mulrennan and Watson propose several measures, including establishing designated anchorages and limiting the duration vessels can remain at anchor. They stress the need for a broader recognition of anchoring as a significant conservation issue, not just in Antarctica but globally.

As marine traffic is expected to rise, the call for better protective measures for the Antarctic seabed is urgent. The implications of inaction could lead to the irreversible loss of biodiversity, not only affecting the species that inhabit these waters but also the health of global marine ecosystems as a whole. The scientific community, conservationists, and policymakers must collaborate to implement solutions that safeguard these vital habitats for future generations.