On February 25, 2002, specimens collected in Antarctica arrived at Tokyo Sea Life Park. Due to flight delays caused by weather, it took approximately 5 and a half days (132 hours) to reach the aquarium from King George Island. Despite the long transport, most of the specimens arrived safely.

The arrivals include three species of Notothenidae, representative of Antarctica, as well as nine species of invertebrates and five species of seaweed. After their long journey, these individuals will be temporarily housed in a special tank for polar creatures at our aquarium, and after sufficient rest, they will be gradually made available for public viewing.

This time, we were able to observe large schools of fish and rare juvenile fish. Towards the end of the survey, we had a heart-stopping encounter with a leopard seal, said to be the most ferocious creature in this sea, but in the end, we were able to complete the survey safely.

Photo: Antarctic spiny plunderfish (Harpagifer antarcticus)

◎Previous "Antarctic Reports"
[1] Just before departure - I'm going to collect specimens and conduct research in the Antarctic Circle (February 1, 2002)
[2] The Eve of the Antarctic Trip - From Narita to Santiago, and then arrival in Punta Arenas (February 8, 2002)
[3] Arrival in Antarctica! -- From Punta Arenas to King George Island (February 15, 2002)
[4] Collection completed ── Ready for shipping! (February 22, 2002)

[Tokyo Sea Life Park @ Returned to Japan]

(March 1, 2002)