King Edward Point Diary – March 2002

31 March, 2002 King Edward Point

End of summer approaches

The Science team made a big catch: a Patagonian toothfish just over 1m in length. These fish are commercially fished in South Georgian waters and producing viable conservation measures for the toothfish fishery is one of the main aims for the team at King Edward Point. This is the first recorded catch of toothfish in shallow waters (200m) in Cumberland East Bay. A great cause of excitement for everyone on base – especially as the fillets taste so good (and even better as we don’t have to pay the shop price of £18/kg)!!

Gareth our Doctor has been running a weekly medical school. Familiarisation with the all our medical equipment is being shown to all base members. Practise rescue scenarios including boat rescue are not only good fun but also important learning processes in this isolated environment.

A young elephant seal was playing in the water just in front of the boat shed. At this time of year they are busy moulting – lying in muddy wallows several seals high that are very smelly!

A sudden snowy spell turned our world into a white playground – the slopes are open once more. Early for the time of year the 1ft of snow covering meant it was out with the telemark skis and sledges. Once again we could ski from the front door, but unfortunately it didn’t last for more than 10 days so it was back to carrying the skis on our packs till we reach snow higher up. There is a chill in the air though so winter is definitely on its way.