In recent years, the pristine ecosystems around Antarctica’s waters have come under increasing threat. New research and groundbreaking footage reveal that ship anchors are inflicting significant harm to the region’s delicate seafloor habitats. A study published in Frontiers in Conservation Science outlines how this damage could have long-lasting effects, leaving scars that may take centuries to heal. As Antarctica’s remote waters grow busier with tourism, research, and fishing vessels, the environmental impact of these activities is becoming ever more evident. The footage, taken at 36 locations across the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia Island, shows the destruction anchors and chains leave behind, with some areas being devoid of life altogether.
A Shocking Discovery of Antarctic Damage
For years, Antarctica has been seen as a sanctuary, relatively untouched by human activity. However, the increasing number of vessels in the region, from research ships to tourist boats, is having a dramatic impact on its underwater ecosystems. Researchers have uncovered the profound damage caused by ship anchors and chains. Underwater cameras revealed scars, grooves, and muddy deposits left on the seafloor, areas that were once home to a range of marine life.
The footage shows that in places where anchors and chains have been dragged, the marine life is either severely damaged or completely wiped out. A few crushed sponge colonies were all that remained in some of the most impacted areas. This destruction stands in stark contrast to adjacent regions, where marine life continues to thrive, showing just how fragile these ecosystems are.
Matthew Mulrennan, the first author of the study, noted the importance of these species. “The weird and wonderful animals that are impacted, like sponges, are important for filtering water, carbon sequestration, and providing shelter, food, and complex habitats which benefit the whole marine ecosystem, including penguins and seals – the animals tourists come to see.” His words underline the interconnectedness of Antarctica’s marine life, and the ripple effect caused by the loss of one species can have far-reaching consequences.
Long-Term Recovery Seems Unlikely
One of the most concerning aspects of this research is the recovery times required for these ecosystems to heal. The cold waters around Antarctica host slow-growing species, and the damage to their habitats may take centuries to reverse. Dr. Sally Watson, a marine geophysicist at the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research in New Zealand, offered a stark perspective: “We know that anchor impacts in tropical reefs can last a decade. In muddy sediment, the scars can still be visible over a decade later. Ecological recovery is really site-specific. Things in cold waters are much slower growing than in warmer temperatures, so I expect that recovery would take longer the higher the latitude.”
This slow pace of recovery, combined with the destructive force of anchor-related damage, means that the impacts may be irreversible in some areas. The very nature of life in cold waters means that any disruption to these delicate systems will have long-lasting consequences. The lack of rapid recovery also highlights the need for immediate intervention before the damage worsens.
Anchoring: The Overlooked Ocean Conservation Issue
Despite the severity of the problem, ship anchoring has been an overlooked issue in the broader conversation about ocean conservation. Compared to other destructive practices like bottom trawling, anchoring often goes unnoticed, even though its effects on the seafloor can be just as damaging. Mulrennan emphasized this point in the study, stating, “Anchoring is likely the most overlooked ocean conservation issue in terms of global seafloor disruption; it is on par with the damages from bottom trawling. It’s a pressing environmental issue, but it’s out of sight, out of mind.”
This statement highlights the need for more awareness and regulation. While the public is aware of more visible issues like overfishing and pollution, the hidden dangers of ship anchors are often ignored. As the Antarctic region sees more ships entering its waters, it becomes increasingly important to focus on this under-discussed issue to prevent further damage.
The Role of Regulation and Awareness
The increase in tourism and research activity in Antarctica underscores the need for stronger regulations. In the 2022–23 season alone, 195 tourism, research, and fishing vessels were recorded in anchorable waters around Antarctica. However, many of these vessels may operate without proper regulation or oversight, further complicating efforts to mitigate the damage. This lack of control raises critical questions about how best to safeguard the future of this pristine environment.
Researchers are calling for more data on the short- and long-term impacts of anchoring, as well as better monitoring of shipping activities in the Southern Ocean. There is a clear need to establish stricter regulations to protect Antarctica’s vulnerable seabed from further harm. Without such measures, the region may continue to suffer from irreversible damage.
