This voyage is a rite of passage as much as it is a necessity for those wishing to venture forth into the Seventh Continent.
Of all the continents on Earth, Antarctica is the coldest, driest, and windiest · Paul Nicklen
Brave Adélie penguins leap into the icy waters of the Falkland Islands · Paul Nicklen
In the face of such a vital and far-flung ecosystem, I was so overcome with gratitude for the opportunity just to be there that I never even lifted my camera.
Very sociable birds, chinstrap penguins form enormous colonies next to the shoreline of Deception Island, an active volcano close to the Antarctic Peninsula · Paul Nicklen
Despite their near decimation mere decades ago, when whalers and sealers hunted them relentlessly, these animals showed no aversion or apprehension toward our presence.
When millions of krill-eating whales were hunted, the Antarctic marine ecosystem suffered greatly · Paul Nicklen
When it comes to biomass, krill outweigh the world’s entire human population. Stop for a moment, and imagine that.
Seemingly devoid of life at first glance, the ice of Antarctica supports a wealth of ocean creatures · Paul Nicklen
Every fish and mammal in Antarctica relies on krill, the foundation of the food chain · Paul Nicklen
Crabeater seals rest and breed on pack ice, feeding in the surrounding waters · Paul Nicklen
Leopard seals are powerful, curious, and intelligent hunters · Paul Nicklen
For anyone, including me, plunging into the world of ocean predators is a leap into the unknown. But each time I put my fears aside, the reward is priceless.
Climate change is impacting both predators and prey in Antarctica, but we generally have less empathy for the former · Paul Nicklen
The colors and textures of ice in Antarctica are endless · Paul Nicklen
Warming temperatures are contributing to annual ice loss on a devastating scale · Paul Nicklen
Antarctica regulates the global climate, so no matter how far away we live, we are completely interconnected · Paul Nicklen
Less than 1% of the Antarctic landmass is ice-free · Paul Nicklen
If we take the right action now, there is still time for the Antarctic ecosystem to regenerate · Paul Nicklen
Adult king penguins and their chicks line the shores · Paul Nicklen
