Antarctic Finfish Research as part of The Weddell Sea Observatory of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Change (WOBEC)

During the 2025/26 austral summer, R/V Polarstern will embark on an expedition to characterize biodiversity and marine ecosystems in the Weddell Sea as part of the Weddell Sea Observatory of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Change (WOBEC) initiative. Here we describe a set of objectives specific to Antarctic toothfish and other nototheniod finfish species. Sampling will be undertaken in the shelf and inflow region off Kapp Norvegia, along the Prime Meridian, and on Maud Rise seamount. Sampling will include Antarctic toothfish and other notothenioid finfish, as well as other marine biota in the water column, on the seafloor, and cryobenthic habitats and the respective biota. Outcomes will support monitoring for the proposed Weddell Sea Marine Protected Areas (WSMPA).