Report on a modified ice-fence for oceanographic observations under heavy sea-ice conditions during JARE-54 and JARE-55

Abstract

The marine biological monitoring program in the sea-ice area off Syowa Station was started by the 52nd Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition. The use of an “ice-fence” protected observation equipment (e.g., plankton nets and CTDs) from damage due to sea-ice. However, heavy sea-ice conditions have occurred frequently off Syowa Station in recent years. Therefore, we modified the ice-fence (diameter: 1000mm, height:1200mm, stainless steel) to enable observations under heavy sea-ice conditions. This report describes the results of field tests of the modified ice-fence performed during the 54th and 55th Japanese Antarctic Research Expeditions.