Response to Antarctic Sea Ice Community
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September 21, 2023
Earlier this year, the Office of Polar Programs (OPP) received a letter from researchers who depend on sea ice around McMurdo Station to conduct their research. OPP appreciates USAP community members who take the time to share their feedback and ideas and take those suggestions into consideration as OPP plans future seasons in the Antarctic. OPP wants to take the opportunity to provide more information in this forum on plans for continuing to maintain robust support for this research.
The letter’s authors noted the pressing need for investment in infrastructure, and OPP agrees. Sea ice science relies on equipment – for example, fish huts and light vehicles – that has aged and become less reliable. In 2022, NSF began executing a comprehensive and enduring Antarctic Infrastructure Recapitalization program (AIR[1]) which includes renewing sea ice support assets. The first step in the recapitalization process is to engage with researchers and sea ice experts to develop a mission need statement for the future of sea ice support, and the Antarctic Support Contractor (ASC) will be initiating those efforts in the coming months. OPP encourages stakeholders to provide input as the office scopes future investments. It is important to note that AIR work must be carefully prioritized and not all investments can be made as quickly as some would like. The letter points out that additional tools for pre-season assessment of the sea ice would be beneficial, and OPP is exploring several ideas on that front as well.
The letter also discussed the importance of experience and training in unique aspects of sea ice research. The state of the sea ice in McMurdo Sound last season was unprecedented. It was very unstable and late-forming due to late and extensive blow-out, warm water, warm temperatures, and large cracks. The safety of all USAP deployers is paramount, and increased vigilance is especially important in the face of unexpected circumstances. The Field Safety and Training team in McMurdo is charged with ensuring sea ice research can be conducted safely. This season’s team will be led by a seasoned sea ice operations manager and will include a dedicated position focused solely on managing sea ice work. The Field Safety and Training team will be engaging with this year’s research teams not only during the season but also before and after deployment, to forge a good working relationship with the research teams and hear their feedback so that the program can continue to evolve and improve.
Finally, OPP encourages all researchers to speak up if they have safety concerns. In addition to the Field Safety and Training team, other avenues for raising issues include contacting your ASC Science Implementer or Field Area Manager, NSF Program Officers, the on-ice NSF Science Representative, and the OPP Safety and Occupational Health team.
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