25 Nov 2016

Macquarie Island on Natures Terms

Macquarie Island has recently been declared pest-free after an extensive eradication programme over many years.  Fondly known as ‘Macca’ or the ‘Great Green Sponge’ it is home to a plethora of wildlife and its location in the Southern Ocean makes it particularly important as a veritable life-raft for other species.  Lying in the Furious Fifites of ocean latitude, its lack of natural harbours and its exposure to the elements means it is often battered by wild weather and unrelenting ocean swell.  It is one of our favourite islands to share with expeditioners both on land, from the ship and zodiac cruising off the coast.

Yesterday we were reminded of the wildness of this island and that we travel in this part of the world on natures terms.  Despite a promising weather forecast when we arrived at Macquarie Island there was not only a heavy swell but also a unfavourably strong wind.  We waited off the coast until the next morning and although the wind eased during the day, the large swell prevented any thought of landing at Macquarie and a scout zodiac confirmed a large sea on the coastline.  It was not to be for us on this expedition.

As we sat off Macquarie Island, expeditioners had superb views of all four species of penguins that breed on this island - King, Gentoo, Rockhopper and Royal - and we watched them as they made their way about their ocean habitat.  We also sighted the endemic cormorant and four species of albatross.  

We are currently sailing towards Campbell Island. Sea conditions are good.