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Colonial ascidians (grapes), crinoids (feather stars) and primnoid corals (orange) make up part of the Ross Sea ecosystem. Photo: Image taken with DTIS (Deep Towed Imaging System), NIWA
Just back from navigating through retreating Antarctic ice, Dr Joshu Mountjoy tells Susie what's been discovered in uncharted territory.
It's the latest Antarctic mission researching the marine food chain and climate change, using robotic video cameras to better understand and protect the environment.
Almost forty researchers and crew have just completed a six-week science voyage deep into the waters of Antarctica, on board Tangaroa.
Their mission is to better understand the ecosystem and ocean physics in the Ross Sea, as well as assess the impacts of climate change. Dr Joshu Mountjoy is voyage leader and NIWA marine geoscientist.