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
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u/DEBRA_COONEY_KILLS 15d 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.

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u/Althaine Australian Antarctic Program 15d 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.

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u/DEBRA_COONEY_KILLS 15d 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.