By Peter Ryan, onboard scientist, expert in general ornithology, seabird-fishery interactions, evolutionary ecology, marine debris, solid waste management, biology of oceanic islands.
Leg 1, Day 20.
Another calm but cool day on the Akademik Tryoshnikov found us steaming south-southeast on the great circle route towards Hobart. The protracted CTD station was delayed due to relatively shallow water, so we ran transects from 5-13h00. Birds were fairly monotonous, with mainly Antarctic Prions circling around the ship. The last Fulmar Prion was seen at 9h38 just after 80°E. On station, few birds were present, but the calm conditions resulted in several cetaceans being seen, including a distant pod of Hourglass Dolphins.
Bull Kelps Durvillaea antarctica were quite abundant, with 44 pieces observed. At least one piece of plastic litter was seen.
| Antarctic Prion | 100 | Wilson’s Storm Petrel | 13 |
| White-chinned Petrel | 5 | Light-mantled Albatross | 3 |
| Black-browed Albatross | 2 | White-headed Petrel | 2 |
| Fulmar Prion | 2 | King Penguin | 1 |
| Rockhopper Penguin | 1 | Wandering Albatross | 1 |
| Southern Royal Albatross | 1 | Southern Giant Petrel | 1 |
| Cape (Pintado) Petrel | 1 | Kerguelen Petrel | 1 |
| Blue Petrel | 1 | Slender-billed Prion | 1 |
| Northern Giant Petrel | + |
