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Researchers Document First Video of Ship Anchoring Damage on Antarctic Seafloor

Scientists are urging stronger anchoring regulations to protect long-lived seafloor species under increasing ship traffic with forecast tourism growth.

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World-First Footage Shows How Ship Anchors Are Ripping Up Antarctica's Once-Pristine Seabed Ecosystem
A large white coral-like boulder tube and a scuba diver in deep blue water.
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Overview

  • Underwater footage from Yankee Harbour revealed distinct grooves and crushed giant volcano sponge colonies where anchors and chains scoured the seabed.
  • A team’s paper in Frontiers in Conservation Science reported that at least 195 vessels dropped anchors in depths up to 82.5 meters around Antarctica during the 2022-23 season.
  • Slow-growing organisms including Antarctic sun stars, giant octopuses and ancient sponges face high risk of long-term habitat loss due to the observed seabed disturbances.
  • Researchers recommend systematic anchoring data collection and the creation of designated 'parking lot' anchor zones or permanent moorings to minimize future damage.
  • Annual Antarctic visitor numbers are projected to reach about 452,000 by 2033-34, heightening the urgency for preemptive seabed protection measures.