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Niwa’s research flagship RV Tangaroa is nearing the end of its journey to Antarctica, but not without going through some rough seas along the way.
The 45-day voyage set sail for the Southern Ocean and the Ross Sea on January 11, with the purpose of studying the effectiveness of the Ross Sea Protected Marine Area, established in 2017.
It was one of the few scientific expeditions allowed to the continent since the Covid-19 pandemic struck.
On February 6, Niwa (National Institute for Water and Atmospheric Research) tweeted that Tangaroa and her 40-person crew were heading home, adding that the ship was expected to hit six to eight-meter waves on Monday, February 8.
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On Saturday night, he shared a nauseating video of Tangaroa being hit by some rough sea conditions.
Despite the rough ride, Tangaroa managed to avoid the worst predicted swell.
The ship will pass the Banks Peninsula around midnight on Sunday. A calm sea is expected for the last leg of the journey to Wellington, where it is expected to arrive on Monday.
The scientists studied everything from phytoplankton (microscopic marine algae) to water chemistry and oceanography, fish sampling and whale listening.
NIWA / Supplied
RV Tangaroa is hit by rough seas during the journey home from its Antarctic voyage.
In an update posted on Niwa’s website, voyage leader and fisheries scientist Dr. Richard O’Driscoll said the weather had been “relatively good” with light to moderate winds, meaning that the investigation was carried out without interruption.
“We received a reminder of the power of the Southern Ocean on Monday night when the winds reached a maximum of 68 knots (125 km / hour) with waves exceeding 6 meters, forcing us to slow down and alter course.” .
Since then, the journey north had been “good.”
Kate Green / Things
Lead Scientists Dr. Matt Pinkerton, left, Dr. Richard O’Driscoll, right, and ice pilot Evan Solly, center, in front of the NIWA flagship, Tangaroa, before their departure to Antarctica.
The trip had achieved each of its nine goals and its primary goal of gaining a better understanding of key environmental and biological processes in the Ross Sea region.
O’Driscoll thanked the other scientists aboard Tangaroa and the vast support network on the ground that made the trip possible.
“We look forward to sharing our results with you in the months and years to come.”
Dave Allen / NIWA
Niwa’s research flagship, Tangaroa, on a previous trip.
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