The Greek flag flies again in Antarctica!
Two researchers, Eleni Kytinou, Marine Biologist from the Hellenic Center for Marine Research (HCMR) and Dionysia Rigatou, Oceanographer from the National Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA – Department of Biology), traveled to Antarctica, with the aim of recording the structure and function of the coastal food web from primary producers (e.g. phytoplankton, macroalgae) to higher predators (e.g. seals). The mission took place at the Bulgarian base on the island of Livingston in Antarctica, in the context of the cooperation of the Hellenic Society of Polar Zones with international scientific bodies, and with the possibility provided by the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute.
For 17 days, the two researchers moved between the Bulgarian ship and the base on Livingston Island, covering long distances and working in an environment where every activity requires precision and endurance. They traveled long distances and had the opportunity to study the underwater ecosystem of different islands of the South Shetland complex, as well as an area of the continental coastline near the Esperanza research base.
For the second time, this mission – a milestone for the international scientific community – was enabled thanks to the generous financial support of the sponsoring shipping company Laskaridis Shipping Co. Ltd, which covered the travel costs of the two researchers, the supply of appropriate clothing and equipment, as well as their safety.
