Climate Change Research Expedition to the Sub-Antarctic

I just got back from my Expedition a couple days ago - and wanted to share a little from the adventure and say a huge thank you to everyone who donated. The expedition was the experience of a lifetime and, although it was cut short (the HMNZS Canterbury had to return to assist in cyclone recovery), we managed to get most of our key research done on Campbell Island.

The main tasks we had to carry out on the island and in surrounding waters were:

- Extracting peat samples from Campbell Island - which will allow GNS Science to visualise the Sub-Antarctic climate up to 14,000 years ago

- Collecting plankton to test for environmental DNA (which could suggest the presence of marine pests)

- Taking kelp samples to determine its possible effects on Antarctic Biodiversity

I feel extremely privileged to have gone to such a remote and pristine location with an amazing group of people - my perspectives on climate change, university study, and even life in general have changed so much.

The island is uninhabited - so witnessing the marine life, birds, and plants thriving in a completely isolated environment was beyond belief. It gave us a glimpse into the past before human intervention - but also the future, and what it could look like if we prioritise biodiversity and biosecurity.

I'm now looking towards my future - wondering what this newfound love for the Sub-Antarctic will mean for my further studies, and searching for ways to get to Antarctica (which is now a goal of mine).

And it's all thanks to you! So, again, thank you so much for your support. Hope you have the best rest of your week.

And, for anyone wondering, this picture is of me trying to photograph a megaherb, then realising that maybe photography isn't my true calling.