The top official of the Royal Canadian Navy, Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, has disclosed that discussions are underway with the Chilean navy for a potential joint Antarctic expedition next spring. The expedition would involve a science team on a Chilean vessel, although the plans are still in the preliminary stages.
“We are enthusiastic about the possibility,” mentioned Topshee during an interview with CBC News, highlighting the shared interest in monitoring climate change impacts at both poles.
The Royal Canadian Navy recently led its inaugural all-Canadian Antarctic mission in February and March, collaborating with HMCS Margaret Brooke and a team of 15 climate scientists. The expedition focused on collecting various samples from the Southern Ocean, including water, air, and sediment, in addition to mapping the ocean floor and examining snow and air for pollutants.
Topshee expressed his admiration for the dedication of the team during his visit to Antarctica, emphasizing the significance of supporting such research endeavors.
At a recent ArcticNet event in Calgary, polar scientists expressed their enthusiasm for a potential follow-up expedition with Chilean partners. David Hik, chief scientist at Polar Knowledge Canada, lauded the 2025 expedition as a pivotal moment in Canada’s Antarctic research history, signaling progress towards formalizing Canadian Antarctic research frameworks and obtaining voting membership in the Antarctic Treaty.
The Canadian Antarctic Research Expedition (CARE 2025), spearheaded by scientist Thomas James from Natural Resources Canada, received accolades at the ArcticNet meeting for showcasing Canada’s research capabilities and commitment to Antarctic exploration.
Researchers from CARE 2025 presented preliminary findings at the conference, revealing discoveries of microplastics in Antarctic samples, hinting at the global reach of pollutants. Despite low overall contaminant levels, the presence of microplastic fibers raised concerns among scientists, underscoring the need for continued environmental monitoring.
Alexandre Normandeau from Natural Resources Canada highlighted the significance of sediment core analysis from the expedition, emphasizing the importance of understanding past glacial behavior to predict future climate changes accurately.
Looking ahead, Normandeau and other scientists expressed optimism about Canada’s growing presence in Antarctic research and the potential for an expanded Antarctic program, as they continue to analyze and publish their findings from the expedition.
Vice-Admiral Topshee emphasized the geopolitical importance of Antarctic research, particularly in the context of China’s activities in both the Antarctic and the Arctic. He underscored the role of such research in enhancing understanding and prediction of climate change impacts in polar regions, aiding in the transition for communities in the North.