In March 2025, the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) conducted a scientific expedition aboard the icebreaker RSV Nuyina in East Antarctica. The primary goal was to investigate the impact of warming waters on the Denman Glacier, which has retreated 5 kilometers in just over two decades.
During the expedition, researchers made unexpected discoveries concerning the marine biodiversity of the Antarctic Ocean. The team documented several rare species, some of which were previously unknown. According to Professor Jan Strugnell, the ocean off the Denman Glacier terminus could harbor a surprising diversity of life, potentially rivaling that found in tropical seas.
The discoveries highlight the importance of continued research in the Antarctic to understand and protect its unique marine life and the potential impact of climate change on these fragile ecosystems. The expedition, involving over 60 scientists, also aims to understand the drivers and consequences of the changes occurring in this remote area. The Denman Marine Voyage is a collaboration between the Australian Antarctic Division, Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future (SAEF), the Australian Centre for Excellence in Antarctic Science (ACEAS), and the Australian Antarctic Program Partnership.