Heard Island is Australia’s only territory with an active volcano. Around a dozen major glaciers shape its rugged landscape; while thriving penguin and seal colonies occupy its coastline. This remote place makes up one of Australia’s most isolated territories. Located about 4,000 kilometers southwest of the Australian mainland in the southern Indian Ocean, these islands are an ecological treasure.
In 2025, the Australian Antarctic Division will lead a significant scientific expedition to Heard Island and the McDonald Islands (HIMI). This mission, using Australia’s icebreaker, the RSV Nuyina, marks the first visit by the Australian Antarctic Program to Heard Island in over 20 years. The main goal is to carefully assess the health of the islands’ unique plants and animals.
Ms. Annette Dunkley, the Protected Areas and Species Director, highlighted the importance of HIMI. She described it as a unique example of untouched and dynamic ecosystems worldwide. She explained that natural processes like evolution, volcanic activity, and glaciation have occurred there with little human interference. This emphasizes Australia’s role as the territory’s steward, responsible for understanding and protecting this exceptional area.
Scientific Research and Environmental Care
The expedition offers an important chance to conduct essential terrestrial and marine research. Dr. Aleks Terauds, the project lead, outlined several key priorities. Dr. Terauds stressed that knowing the current condition and trends of wildlife, ecosystems, and the environment is vital for managing this unique World Heritage Area and Marine Reserve. Australia’s commitment to preservation strengthened in January when it expanded the marine reserve, protecting nearly 90 percent of the exclusive economic zone around HIMI. Strict controls on visitation are already in effect to reduce human impact and prevent the introduction of non-native species.
Facing Remote Challenges
The extreme remoteness, tough terrain, and unpredictable weather of HIMI are significant challenges. The mission will occur in two separate trips. In September, the RSV Nuyina will leave Hobart for a two-week journey to HIMI, where it will stay for ten days. The vessel will carry two helicopters and three rigid inflatable boats. These will help deploy six project groups to various locations on Heard Island, though landings on the McDonald Islands are not planned. The teams will include specialists in seabird and seal ecology, a glaciology team, and another group installing advanced reflectors for improved satellite positioning. After completing the first voyage, the ship will resupply Australia’s Davis research station in Antarctica before returning to Hobart. In December, the RSV Nuyina will return for the second voyage, focusing on marine research and terrestrial ecosystem surveys over 25 days after resupplying Australia’s Casey research station. Throughout both trips, strict environmental protocols will be followed, and all activities will occur under the necessary environmental permits.
Expedition Logistics and Biosecurity Measures
At 53° S, Heard Island is known for its severe weather. Annual rainfall can reach up to 1.9 meters, much of which falls as snow, and powerful westerly winds are common. Mr. Marty Passingham, the Senior Deep Field Coordinator, acknowledged the unique operational difficulties, noting the significant weather variations across the island. Teams of four will camp briefly at their project sites, using “camping caches” that provide supplies for three to four nights. These caches include tents, sleeping gear, toilet facilities, cooking equipment, food, emergency supplies, and power. A temporary camp at Atlas Cove, located on the island’s exposed western side, will also be established. Modified water tanks will serve as a mess hut, cold porch, and kitchen, and helicopters will sling-load these structures during the first voyage and retrieve them in the second.
A major concern for the mission is the risk of H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI), or H5 bird flu, which has harmed seabird and seal populations worldwide. While the virus has not yet appeared in Australian territory, it has affected animals found on the French Kerguelen and Crozet sub-Antarctic islands, just 450 kilometers from HIMI. Dr. Julie McInnes, a wildlife ecologist, and her team will survey seabird populations and look for signs of H5 bird flu, working closely with the seal survey team.
Biosecurity is crucial, given HIMI’s mostly untouched environment and its susceptibility to invasive species. The Australian Antarctic Division has created a HIMI HPAI Preparedness and Response Plan. Ms. Kirsten Leggett, the Environmental Management Director, emphasized the need for strong biosecurity measures to protect Heard Island’s natural values and prevent the spread of HPAI by humans.
