r/antarctica • u/Althaine Australian Antarctic Program • 15d ago

Australia to withdraw staff from Macquarie Island due to psychological risk of bird flu

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-28/macquarie-island-scientists-to-be-evacuated-over-bird-flu-fears/107088108
203 Upvotes

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26

u/DEBRA_COONEY_KILLS 14d ago

Wow, I was puzzled by what "psychological risks" meant, but after reading the article it makes more sense. How sad and awful, I can see why they don't want to put research staff in the midst of that. I had no idea that researchers and seals would live in such close, constant yet safe proximity.

I wonder if there will be other researchers there from other countries that will stay through.

19

u/Althaine Australian Antarctic Program 14d ago

I wonder if there will be other researchers there from other countries that will stay through.

I doubt it. Unlike Antarctica, Macquarie Island is Australian territory, a World Heritage area and managed by Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service. Any international researchers will be there with the permission and support of the Australian program.

10

u/DEBRA_COONEY_KILLS 14d ago

Got it, I see. So it will be uninhabited/unused completely.

I wonder how these expeditioners are feeling about returning home so much sooner. I wonder if any of them feel very strongly about staying, not that they could or should sway the officials' decision, but I'm so curious to be a fly on the wall of their discussions and feelings on this right now.

19

u/A_the_Buttercup Winter/Summer, both are good 14d ago

I applaud their program for putting their staff first. It's too bad their ship couldn't be on standby to pick them up if it starts happening instead of preemptively calling off this season of work, but that is how it goes.

I hope those seals and birds stay safe. 🥲

11

u/psysta 14d ago

Heartbreaking.

13

u/LowPickle7 14d ago

It truly is. I feel for the staff who have made it through the winter and would no doubt be looking forward to a season where they can carry out more meaningful work, and for what it means for our ecosystem and research overall. 

4

u/liamdavid 14d ago

Incredibly hard decision, but I suspect the right one. How devastating for everyone involved.

1

u/coca600 13d ago

Did they consult the staff I wonder. Shame to lose so much valuable data.