Korean research project on the ecosystem structure and function of the Ross Sea region MPA (2017–2022)

The Ross Sea region has been known as an ecologically important area in the Antarctic with an extraordinary rich biota. To conserve marine living resources and the ecosystem of the Ross Sea, CCAMLR designated the area as a Marine Protected Area (MPA) at the 35th annual meetings in 2016. Since 2015, the Korean government (Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries) has been preparing to launch a research and development project (R&D) to contribute to CCAMLR’s efforts to conserve the area, and approved the budget for the said project for 5 years (2017-2022). The goal of the project is to understand the impact of climate change on the structure and function of the ecosystem of the Ross Sea region MPA. To that end, investigations on the spatial distribution of krill, biodiversity, the structure of the food web and biomagnification will be undertaken. To provide monitoring data on breeding parameters of krill-dependent species to the CCAMLR Ecosystem Monitoring Program (CEMP), investigations on population dynamics, breeding success and foraging behavior of the Adélie penguin will be conducted at Cape Hallett. Polynya dynamics, sea ice concentration and primary production will be observed in order to analyze how environmental changes affect the ecosystem. We look forward to taking a lead role in these research activities using our research infrastructure, such as the icebreaker research vessel ‘ARAON’, the air-network based on Jang Bogo Station, and the field camp at Cape Hallett.