Ross Sea

The Ross Sea is a deep, partially ice-covered bay of the Southern Ocean, located off the coast of Antarctica. It is one of the largest and most important marine ecosystems in the world, renowned for its diverse and abundant wildlife and its significant role in the global climate system.

Red Sea Star – Odontaster validus

Sunflower Star, Antarctic Sun Starfish – Labidiaster annulatus

Geography and Geology

The Ross Sea is bordered by Victoria Land to the west, the Transantarctic Mountains to the north, and Marie Byrd Land to the east. Its area encompasses approximately 960,000 square kilometers (370,000 sq mi), with an average depth of 500 meters (1,600 ft) and a maximum depth exceeding 2,900 meters (9,500 ft). The Ross Sea is a tectonic rift valley, formed by the separation of the Pacific and Antarctic plates.

Fauna

The Ross Sea is a haven for a wide range of marine life, including:

  • Whales: The area supports populations of humpback whales, minke whales, orcas, and sperm whales.
  • Seals: Leopard seals, crabeater seals, Weddell seals, and Ross seals frequent the ice shelves and open waters.
  • Birds: The Ross Sea is a vital breeding ground for a diverse array of seabirds, including Adélie penguins, emperor penguins, albatrosses, petrels, and skuas.
  • Fish: The Ross Sea is home to a variety of fish species, including Antarctic toothfish, icefish, and notothenioids.
  • Invertebrates: The seafloor teems with various invertebrates, such as krill, starfish, sea urchins, and sponges.

Surrounding Countries

The Ross Sea is claimed by New Zealand as part of its Ross Dependency. However, this claim is not recognized by all countries. The United States maintains a scientific research station (McMurdo Station) on Ross Island, and other countries, including Russia and China, also conduct research in the region.

Key Facts

  • The Ross Sea is one of the most important marine ecosystems in the world, providing food and habitat for a wide range of species.
  • The sea is known for its exceptionally high levels of primary productivity, driven by phytoplankton blooms during the austral summer.
  • The Ross Sea is a key player in the global carbon cycle, absorbing significant amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide.
  • The Ross Sea is subject to significant threats, including climate change, overfishing, and pollution.

Conservation Efforts

To protect the unique ecosystem of the Ross Sea, an international agreement was established in 2017 to create the Ross Sea Region Marine Protected Area (MPA). This MPA covers a vast area of the Ross Sea, including its surrounding waters and ice shelves, providing protection for its diverse marine life and habitats.