6 October 2025

Ross Sea, Antarctica + the Subs – February 2025

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A 28 day expedition from Bluff, New Zealand to the Ross Sea Region of Antarctic via the NZ/Australian Sub-Antarctic Islands. We saw 19 mammals in total including Orcas, Hourglass Dolphins, Arnouxs Beaked Whales, Blue Whales and Leopard Seals!

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Ross Sea, Antarctica + the Subs – February 2025

Post author

Ashton Reiser

New Zealand based, 27, Born in South Africa BSc/MSc Environmental Science Polar Expedition Guide // former NZ Professional Canoe Sprint Athlete Huge passion for wildlife and traveling 7 Continents and 42 Countries I don’t support or record any baited wild mammals Ashtonreiser.co.nz https://ebird.org/profile/NDUxMTAzMQ

Post Views: 329

5 Comments

6 October 2025

Jon Hall

Wow. What a trip! What a scholarship!!

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- 8 October 2025
  
  Samuel Marlin
  
  I can only concur. What an amazing trip ! no Ross’s seal observed ?
  
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  - 9 October 2025
    
    ashtonreiser
    
    Unfortunately no Ross Seals were seen although we were on constant lookout. The January trip didnt see any either. I think the last time one was seen on this trip was in January 2023. https://www.heritage-expeditions.com/blog/species-list-wake-scott-shackleton-ross-sea-antarctica-ha230107/
    
    I should have also mentioned in the report that I spent basically all of my spare time in the bridge or out on the back decking looking for mammals and birds, so I’m pretty sure if one was in sight of the ship we wouldve hopefully seen it!
    
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    - 13 October 2025
      
      ashtonreiser
      
      Off the back of this trip I was fortunate enough to be offered a job as an expedition guide with Quark Expeditions, so I will be heading back for a few more trips this summer on the Antarctica Peninsula side! I’ll definitely do another trip report update at the end of the season.
      
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8 October 2025

EllendR

Really enjoyed your report, thanks.

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