SCUBA ice diving along the coast of East Ongul Island, Antarctica

Abstract

Biological surveys of benthic and ice-associated communities by SCUBA diving were performed on 15-31 January, 1981,at three points near Syowa Station (69°00′S, 39°35′E). Three biologists of the 21st and the 22nd Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE) participated in the surveys. Fifteen dives were made and the average duration of a dive was 45 min (max. 55 min). The maximum diving depth was 18m. Diving gears including the dry suit, proved to be sufficient for the cold in the summer season of Antarctica. About 200 specimens were collected including benthic animals which were new to Syowa Station. Underwater pictures were also taken to record the aspects of benthic and ice-associated communities, and the recorded films amounted to about 250 frames of 35mm color filmslides and about 400 feet of 8mm color cine film. Some observations of divers in the Antarctic shallow waters are briefly commented.