New Antarctic methane seeps discovered with Boxfish ROV

Dr. Sarah Seabrook and Dr. Leigh Tait from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) returned from a trip to Antarctica in which they and their colleagues explored methane seeps sites. Their recent discover and study of methane seeps, featured on RNZ’s podcast “Our Changing World”, hosted by Claire Concannon.

Dr. Sarah Seabrook’s team used Boxfish ROV along with the divers to investigate underwater methane seeps first identified in 2012. This expedition leveraged of ROV capability for sample collection, the scientists applied novel technique they developed to collect samples with the ROV’s grabber attachment. The discoveries included new seep locations and observed phenomena such as distressed marine life and unexplained shimmering fluids, which hint at the dynamic nature of these methane sources.

Dr. Leigh Tait and the team preparing the Boxfish ROV for the dive. Photo credit: Claire Concannon / RNZ

An in-depth interview with Dr. Seabrook elaborates on the challenges and scientific insights gained from the expedition. This interview is part of RNZ’s effort to bring cutting-edge scientific discoveries to a broader audience through their podcast “Our Changing World,” which offers weekly insights into the impact of science across various disciplines.

Listen to the interview

Listen to the full interview to gain a fuller understanding of ecological shifts in Antarctica and their potential implications for global climate change. The ongoing work of Dr. Seabrook, Dr. Tait, and their team is vital in exploring how these seeps contribute to the broader narrative of global warming.