Before this study abroad, my understanding of Antarctica’s role in the global business environment was limited. I had always assumed that anything happening in Antarctica surrounded scientific research and tourism. However, after attending lectures and conducting my own research, I learned about Antarctica’s impact on the global food supply chain. The Southern Ocean that surrounds this continent is a pristine habitat for krill, the foundation of the marine food web in this ecosystem, and Patagonian and Antarctic toothfish (Chilean seabass). In recent years, krill fisheries have been nearing their catch limits, which are regulated under international agreements, due to increasing demand for krill for cosmetics, omega-3 supplements, and aquaculture feed. Further and more rigorous regulations exist for Antarctic toothfish fisheries, highlighting Antarctica’s prioritization of its ecosystem health over commercial gain in global markets.
My experience with other students, guests, and crew members on the ship enriched my overall trip. Being isolated without internet gave my peers and me a chance to get to know each other on a deeper level, as we were going through a shared unique experience and came from various backgrounds. During the Drake Passage, I was overwhelmed with motion sickness, which garnered sympathy and attention from both crew members and guests. It was amazing to see how quickly I was able to get outside of my introverted shell and create a community with strangers from different cultures and professional fields. Our group particularly bonded with a Canadian guide/zodiac driver who is moving to Scotland to continue his PhD in the effects of driftwood on marine ecosystems. He was able to apply his knowledge to the Antarctic environment; for example, when rocks rest on an iceberg, they eventually sink to the ocean floor as the iceberg melts, creating new structures for marine organisms. I also enjoyed learning about the crew members’ lives, including how many months they spend working on the ship and what led them to this career.
Overall, this study abroad pushed me outside my comfort zone and deepened my appreciation for Earth’s natural beauty. I gained new impressions of Antarctica and the passions of people who have spent time studying various fields, such as seals, glaciers, and history. I will never forget how breathtaking every location we stopped at was. Waking up to pristine, untouched ice outside my window constantly was like being in another world – exactly what people had described it to be. Even being that close to wildlife in their natural habitat for the first time was mind-blowing. I had to remind myself to take a break from snapping photos and take in exactly where I am, advice I followed from my pre-departure lecturers. My time abroad was not only an academic venture, but also a personal transformation, shaping my view of the need for global regulations and the importance of exploring new and unexpected places.
