Metadata record for data from ASAC Project 2555 See the link below for public details on this project. This study investigated the role of Antarctic skuas in the transmission of diseases to royal and king penguins on Macquarie Island. Using blood samples and cloacal swabs we assessed the parasites and viral diseases of the Antarctic skua and the two penguin species. Up to 150 subjects of each species were inspected. We compared the sub-Antarctic environment of Macquarie with previous work in a continental environment. By understanding the role that skuas play in the dynamics of diseases in Antarctica we are better able to define the role of humans in the system. The download file contains several excel spreadsheets, a readme document and a copy of a poster. Taken from the readme: "There are three files that simply enumerate the samples taken and the sample numbers associated with each individual skua or penguin. In general we took two faecal swabs; one was preserved in viral transport medium (medium +streptomycin) and the other was preserved in BHB + glycerin. Both sets were then frozen at -80 degrees C. Blood was drawn from the brachial vein and where possible, one drop was used to make a thin smear that was air dried. The rest of the blood sample was allowed to clot for at least 3 hours then spun down by centrifuge. The serum was drawn off and has been stored at -80. The RBC pellet was treated with Queen's lysis buffer and has been stored at 4 degrees C. The other three files are the results of testing for Newcastle Disease and Infectious Bursal Diisease. They are redundant files. One contains the results from both pathogens and the other two contain just the results from a single set of pathogens. Finally, there is a copy of a poster presentation from the International penguin conference in Hobart in 2007."

This dataset contains the results from satellite tracking the movements of Adelie Penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) from Bechervaise Island near Mawson Station, Antarctica. By the use of satellite fixes the foraging locations of the penguins were determined. This metadata record covers data from 1991 to 2004, before tracking data were collected under a different project. This work was completed as part of ASAC project 2205 (ASAC_2205), Adelie penguin research and monitoring in support of the CCAMLR Ecosystem Monitoring Project.

Taken from sections of the report: Introduction The purpose of the 95/96 Antarctic survey season was to provide survey control and to acquire aerial photographs for topographic mapping in locations around Mawson, Beaver Lake, Davis and at Casey in support of the ANARE mapping program as well as providing survey support for other ANARE science programs. The following team carried out this survey work: Roger Handsworth - Antarctic Division Engineer, Natasha Adams - Antarctic Division Volunteer Surveyor, Tom Gordon - AUSLIG Surveyor. Project Outline The Antarctic Division's Brief to Surveyors which outlines the details of the program is included in Appendix A. A number of the tasks detailed were not undertaken, and they include: -Aerial photography of ice sheets for Melbourne University, -Beaver Lake Program, -Casey aerial photography. The main survey program for Antarctica in 95/96 was at Mawson Station, it included the survey control and aerial photography of the Framnes Mountains, Mawson Station and offshore islands in Holme Bay. Secondary tasks included assisting with survey requirements of the tide gauge and placing 2 sets of 3 bench marks for the new tide gauge site at Mawson, ground control for the Scullin and Murray Monoliths, ground control and photography of Taylor Rookery and detail surveying at Mawson. At Davis Station the program included aerial photography of the station and areas in the Vestfold Hills missed in 94/95, survey support as requested by the engineer working on the ASP building and levelling associated with the tide gauge. The limited time at Casey Station was to be spent using the Laser Terrain Profiler (LTP) and levelling associated with the tide gauge.