Hidden Scars Beneath the Ice: Anchor Damage Threatens Antarctica’s Sea Floor
Let me take you beneath the frozen world of Antarctica—far beyond the penguins and towering icebergs that capture most tourists’ attention. There’s a fragile, unseen realm that very few talk about: the Antarctic sea floor. Recently, a shocking revelation emerged, highlighting just how vulnerable this underwater ecosystem really is.
While searching for the elusive colossal squid, marine scientist Matthew Mulrennan stumbled upon something deeply troubling. His camera, gliding silently across the seabed, captured a stark contrast—one part teeming with life, the other stripped bare. Deep grooves etched into the ocean floor told the story: damage caused by anchors and dragging chains. These are not just scratches. These are lasting scars on a fragile ecosystem that’s home to an estimated 4,000 species—90% of which are found nowhere else on Earth.
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This is the first-ever video proof of anchor damage in Antarctic waters, and it couldn’t have come at a more crucial time. Tourism in Antarctica is booming, with projections showing that visitor numbers could reach a staggering 452,000 per year by 2033. Many vessels drop anchor in shallow waters to allow passengers to explore, but in doing so, they may be unknowingly crushing ancient, slow-growing species like the giant volcano sponge—which can live for centuries and grow up to two meters tall.
It’s not just about one ship or one anchor. This is a systemic issue. Marine geophysicist Dr. Sally Watson, who collaborated with Mulrennan, estimated that just one month of ship activity in Yankee Harbour—a popular tourist spot—could have damaged at least 1,600 metres of sea floor. And that’s a conservative estimate.
What’s worse? Much of this damage could be avoided. Some ships already use dynamic positioning systems, which keep them stable without the need for anchors. It’s a proven solution, especially in deeper or ice-packed areas. The idea of designated "parking lots" for anchoring or installing mooring systems in high-traffic areas has also been floated. These ideas could protect vast stretches of marine habitat while still allowing tourists to experience the breathtaking wonders of the polar south.
The tourism industry isn't turning a blind eye. The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators has acknowledged the research and pledged to review its practices. And that’s a hopeful sign. Because the last thing anyone wants is to destroy the very environment people travel thousands of kilometres to witness.
As we look ahead, this isn’t about assigning blame—it’s about responsibility and awareness. If we can see the problem clearly, we have a duty to act. The hidden life under Antarctica’s icy waters is precious, ancient, and irreplaceable. Now that the scars are visible, the question is: what will we do to stop them from spreading?
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