Canada Navy Plans Return to Antarctic Research

The Royal Canadian Navy is considering a second two-week Antarctic expedition next spring in collaboration with Chile's navy. This initiative follows a successful inaugural mission in February and March 2025, which saw 15 climate scientists embark on HMCS Margaret Brooke. The scientists gathered crucial data on water, air, and sediment samples, alongside mapping the ocean floor and analyzing contaminants. Preliminary findings from this expedition, presented at a recent conference, indicated the presence of microplastic fibres in Antarctic waters, a concerning discovery given the region's remoteness.

Further research from the Canadian Antarctic Research Expedition (CARE 2025) includes the analysis of sediment cores. These cores, transported back to Canada and scanned, are expected to yield a thousand-year chronology of glacial retreat. This historical data will be vital for refining climate change models and predicting future glacial behavior. Scientists believe Canada is currently experiencing a significant 'moment' in Antarctic research, potentially leading to the development of a dedicated Canadian Antarctic program.

The navy's interest extends beyond scientific exploration; it also encompasses geopolitical considerations. By comparing Canadian activities in Antarctica with those of other nations, particularly China, the navy aims to gain insights into geopolitical strategies in the Arctic. Understanding climate change impacts at both poles is crucial for predicting and mitigating its effects, especially in the rapidly changing Arctic environment.