Presentation of inaugural grant recipients at CCAMLR

The Antarctic Wildlife Research Fund (AWR) is happy to announce that the three projects named as the Fund’s inaugural grant recipients will present their projects at CCAMLR-XXXIV in Hobart the last week of October.

Photo taken by Dr. Friedlander, who will conduct a long-term ecological study on the foraging behavior of humpback whales around the Antarctic Peninsula.

– We are very glad with the quality of the proposals.  The selected projects will contribute substantially to our understanding of the Antarctic marine ecosystem, helping us to improve our knowledge on the interactions between krill and its predators.  Only through better understanding of the role of Antarctic krill in the Southern Ocean can we comprehensively protect the animals that depend on it for survival and ensure precautionary management of the fishery, said Dr. Rodolfo Werner, Scientific Advisor to the AWR.

Scientists from five different countries will study whales, penguins and krill thanks to grants awarded to three groups of researchers by the AWR:

Dr. Christian Reiss (US National Marine Fisheries Service), Dr. Raouf Kilada (University of New Brunswick) and Dr. So Kawaguchi (Australian Antarctic Division) will develop a new direct ageing methodology for Antarctic krill.

Dr Andrew Lowther, Dr Christian Lydersen and Professor Kit Kovacs (Norwegian Polar Institute), Dr Phil Trathan and Dr Norman Ratcliffe (British Antarctic Survey) will explore how brush tail penguins (Adelie, chinstrap and gentoo), key consumers of krill, rely on predictable aggregations of the small crustacean in order to successfully raise and fledge chicks during their austral-summer breeding seasons.

Dr. Ari Friedlander (Oregon State University) and David W. Johnston (Duke University) are conducting a long-term ecological study on the foraging behavior of humpback whales around the Antarctic Peninsula, focusing on how critical foraging areas relate to historic catches of krill in the region.

AWR invites CCAMLR-XXXIV delegates and secretariat staff to a lunch seminar introducing the scientific research projects funded by AWR in its first call for proposals Wednesday 28 October in the CCAMLR meeting room.

Mark Epstein, Chair of the AWR board and Executive Director of ASOC (The Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition), Dr. Werner, Dr Lowther, Dr Reiss and some of the AWR board members and scientists in AWR’s Science Advisory Group (SAG) will be present at the luncheon and introduction.

For more information:

Monica Hägglund Langen works part time as information advisor to the AWR. She will be attending CCAMLR-XXXIV and can be reached at info@antarcticfund.org or +47 90 85 51 40

Sustainability Director at Aker BioMarine, Marte Haabeth Grindaker serves as Secretary and press contact to the AWR. She can be reached at info@antarcticfund.org or +47 92 02 07 52

ANTARCTIC WILDLIFE RESEARCH FUND ANNOUNCES FIRST GRANT RECIPIENTS

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The Antarctic Wildlife Research Fund (AWR) is pleased to announce the first three recipients of AWR’s first-ever research grants. 

Most Southern Ocean marine species, such as whales, seals and penguins are dependent on Antarctic krill—a small shrimp-like organism that forms the base of Antarctic food web. AWR’s mission is to fill critical gaps in research and monitoring to improve the management of the Antarctic krill fishery.

The first three research projects to be funded by the AWR are:

• A project to gather data and analyze the summer and winter foraging behavior patterns of humpback whales around the Antarctic Peninsula. Dr. Ari Friedlander (Oregon State University) will lead the project, along with his colleague from Duke University.
   
• A study on the foraging range and habitat preference of non-breeding brush tail penguins: Adelie, chinstrap and gentoo.  The project will be led by Dr. Andrew Lowther, in cooperation with other scientists from the British Antarctic Survey and the Norwegian Polar Institute.
   
• A project to develop a new direct ageing methodology for Antarctic krill, by Dr. Christian Reiss, of the US National Marine Fisheries Service, along with colleagues from the University of New Brunswick and the Australian Antarctic Division

“These three research proposal each address a critical knowledge gap regarding krill and its dependent predators,” said Mark Epstein, chair of the Antarctic Wildlife Research Fund. “We are thrilled to be able to fund world class Antarctic research and are certain that these proposals will help us understand, and ultimately, make better management decisions for the Antarctic krill fishery.”

“The ecology of non-breeding penguins is largely undocumented, and so this project has the potential to yield novel insights into how their behavior differs from that of breeding birds and what implications such differences may have for the management of Antarctic krill fisheries. We are all very pleased that this project will proceed with AWR support and look forward to sharing its findings with the panel in due course”, said Dr. Norman Ratcliffe at the British Antarctic Survey.

The AWR issued its first call for proposals on March 16, 2015, working with both commercial supporters and individuals to raise donations and inviting applications from scientific researchers whose research can aid in determining the impact of the krill fishing industry on the Antarctic marine ecosystem.  

Over the past three months, AWR’s Science Advisory Group (SAG) evaluated 10 scientific research proposals. The SAG based their evaluation of each proposal on criteria previously published on the AWR website, including: excellence, fit to scheme, cost effectiveness, and track record. 

Read more in the press release on the inaugural grants. 

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Board meeting, deciding on research proposals

The board of the AWR met for a board meeting in Oslo, Norway in August. One of the main points on the agenda for the board and scientific advisor Dr. Rodolfo Werner, was the decision on the proposals submitted by researchers from all over the world.

AWR's Scientific Advisory Group already evaluated and prioritized the scientific research proposals submitted, based upon a number of criteria. The announcement of which proposal(s) that will get funding, will be published shortly.

Scientific Advisor Dr. Rodolfo Werner, Board members Karoline Andaur, Sigve Nordrum, Andrea Kavanagh and Matts Johansen, Chair Mark Epstein and Secretary to the AWR Marte Haabeth Grindaker together at the pier Aker Brygge in Oslo a sunny day.

Video presenting the AWR

Have a look at this short video presenting the Antarctic Wildlife Research Fund!

Ridley Corporation supports Antarctic Research

Ridley Corporation has donated funds to The Antarctic Wildlife Research Fund to support its research into the Antarctic ecosystem and wildlife. (Photo: K. R. Venaas)

As part of Ridley’s commitment to building environmentally sustainable aqua‐feed products and business practices, which in turn supports the mutual interests of Ridley’s customers, they support the Antarctic Wildlife Research Fund (AWR) and the important work it is doing in one of the critical aquatic ecosystems in the world.

“Partnering with an initiative like the Antarctic Wildlife Research Fund, who shares our vision in preserving the Antarctic ecosystem and in particular the sustainable management of Antarctic krill, allows Ridley to take this commitment beyond our doors and out into the wider world”

- CEO Tim Hart.

Launched in February 2015, AWR is a first‐of‐its‐kind partnership between industry, academia and non‐government organizations (NGOs), to facilitate and promote research on the Antarctic ecosystem. AWR believes that only through better understanding of the role of Antarctic krill in the Southern Ocean will it be possible to comprehensively protect the animals that depend on it for survival and ensure precautionary management of the fishery.

“It is encouraging to see companies such as Ridley understand the importance of contributing to research within the Earth’s last wilderness. Furthering our knowledge of Antarctica and its wildlife is of crucial intrinsic value to our planet’s future, and will enable the international community to ensure protection of the marine ecosystem, while at the same time improving its management basis based on solid science”

- Mark Epstein, Chair of the AWR.

The Antarctic Wildlife Research Fund issued its first call for proposals in March 2015, inviting applications from scientific researchers according to the Fund´s long term scientific research plan. The closing date for proposals was June 16, 2015. Funding is available for research projects up to a total sum of USD $250,000.

Background:

Ridley Corporation (Ridley) is Australia’s leading provider of high performance animal nutrition solutions and has been an integral part of Australian agriculture for over 75 years. Ridley is Australia’s largest commercial provider of high quality, high performance animal nutrition solutions and an integrated supplier of innovative, high yielding and sustainable aquafeeds to the fast growing aquaculture sector.

The Antarctic Wildlife Research Fund promotes research on the Antarctic ecosystem and wildlife. Its founding partners include representatives of the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC), WWF‐Norway and Aker BioMarine. The Fund works with both commercial supporters and individuals to raise donations for funding research on Antarctic ecosystem and wildlife.

The Antarctic Wildlife Research Fund is supported by: BioMar Group, Blackmores, Dr.Mercola, Ridley and Swisse.

APPLICANTS WORLDWIDE LOOKING FOR SUPPORT FOR THEIR ANTARCTIC RESEARCH

The Antarctic Wildlife Research Fund (AWR) has invited applications from scientific researchers who can aid in determining the impact of the krill fishing industry on the Antarctic marine ecosystem. Scientists worldwide submitted their proposals by the deadline June 16.

– ­It is amazing to see that we can actually start funding research. The proposals we have received show that there is both interest and a great need for more knowledge on the unique nature and wildlife in the Antarctic, says Karoline Andaur, member of the AWR board and Conservation Director Policy at WWF-Norway.

– This first round of grants marks an important moment and the culmination of an enormous amount of effort by scientists, by industry and by NGOs to create a new funding stream for scientific endeavors in the Antarctic. Only by working together will we be able to ensure that the Antarctic marine ecosystem receives the necessary protection which so many people feel is so vitally important, adds Phil Trathan, Chair of the AWR Science Advisory Group.

Research key to understanding ecosystem
The fund has received applications from renown institutions from different continents, on different species and their dependency on a changing eco-system. The research will serve to ensure ecosystem protection, while improving the management basis for the fishery.

 – It is important that the research that AWR contributes to, is made available and used in the management of the natural resources found in the Antarctic. The more research we have, the better our foundation to understand, for example, how much krill and fish can be fished, Andaur continues.

Science Advisory Group to evaluate applications
Now, the Fund’s Science Advisory Group will evaluate and prioritize scientific research proposals submitted to the Antarctic Wildlife Research Fund. The Science Advisory Group will base its evaluation upon a number of criteria when selecting and prioritizing proposals for funding.

– The Science Advisory Group of AWR will assess each proposal based on its scientific excellence, how it matches with the specific criteria outlined in this current call, its effectiveness in terms of financial cost and the track record of the investigators proposing the research. Using these key criteria, we will be able to ensure that the funds available are used in the most effective manner, comments Dr. Andrew Lowther, member of the Science Advisory Group and scientist at the Norwegian Polar Institute. 

About the Antarctic Wildlife Research Fund
Launched in February 2015, AWR is a first-of-its-kind partnership between industry, academia and non-government organizations (NGOs), to facilitate and promote research on the Antarctic ecosystem. BioMar Group, Blackmores, Mercola, Ridley Corporation and Swisse are supporting the fund financially.

AWR believes that only through better understanding of the role of Antarctic krill in the Southern Ocean will it be possible to comprehensively protect the animals that depend on it for survival and ensure precautionary management of the fishery. 

AWR’s founding partners include representatives of the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC), WWF-Norway and Aker BioMarine.

Please see press release for more info and contact details.

AWR presented in Europe

On May 5th, AWR was successfully presented at VItafoods, Geneva. With its first call for proposals out, the Fund is looking to get more European companies on board.

- We spoke to several potential supporters after the presentation, and I am confident that we will be able to go public with European Supporters early this fall, said Marte Grindaker, Secretary to the Board of the Antarctic Wildlife Research Fund.

Marte Grindaker and the AWR Penguin presenting the Antarctic Wildlife Research Fund.

WORLD PENGUIN DAY

On April 24th, we celebrate the World Penguin Day!

Did you know that the logo of the Antarctic Wildlife Research fund is made based on an Adelie Penguin? This photo of Adelie Penguins was taken by Bob Zuur, WWF.

More penguin pictures? Get ready for World Penguin Day 24/4 with BBC's Incredible penguin encounters.

OUR FIRST CALL FOR SCIENTIFIC PROPOSALS

OUR FIRST CALL FOR SCIENTIFIC PROPOSALS

The Antarctic Wildlife Research Fund (AWR)invites applications from scientific researchers who can aid in determining the impact of the krill fishing industry on the Antarctic marine ecosystem. Such research will serve to ensure ecosystem protection, while improving the management basis for the fishery .

 "I am particularly pleased to see the launch of this research fund today as I believe it shows a real commitment from the fishing industry to engage in sustainable practices that are built upon the solid foundation of scientific evidence. Not only will this fund help build a sound basis for management, but it will hopefully also help foster closer collaboration between scientists from many different nations.

Such collaborations, including with NGOs and industry, are critical if we are to tackle some of the real challenges that face us in managing marine ecosystems as they cope with the combined pressures of climate change and increasing human demands. This fund should be an exemplar for other industries elsewhere in the world" said Dr. Phil Trathan, Chair of the AWR Science Advisory Group.

Please find the Call for proposals here and do also take a look at our press release.

AWR makes its first US appearance

AWR Chair Mark Epstein

The Antarctic Wildlife Research Fund will be formally introduced to the United States during the Sustainability Seminar Natural Products ExpoWest on Friday, March 6 at 4 pm.

“The creation of the Antarctic Wildlife Research Fund is crucial to expanding our knowledge of krill populations in the Southern Ocean,” says AWR Chair Mark Epstein, speaking at the seminar. 

 “Through the work of the AWR, we aim to ensure adequate protections and management are put in place, and a healthy ecosystem maintained for krill and for the Antarctic species which depend on it”, Mark Epstein continues.  

If you are in Anaheim, please visit the Sustainability seminar at at the ExpoWest. Anaheim Marriott (next to convention center), Platinum Ballroom #2, at 4 pm on Friday.

Press release:
ANTARCTIC WILDLIFE RESEARCH FUND TO STRENGTHEN RESEARCH

GROUND-BREAKING ANTARCTIC WILDLIFE RESEARCH FUND

Sydney, February 24, 2015

Today, the Antarctic Wildlife Research Fund (AWR) was unveiled at a ceremony in Australia. AWR's aims to strengthening the scientific basis for the management of the Southern Ocean and the Antarctic Region.

The Antarctic Wildlife Research Fund is the result of a landmark collaboration between scientists, businesses and several of the world’s leading environmental groups. It will raise significant funds specifically for research into krill and its role in the Antarctic ecosystem.

Most Southern Ocean marine species - such as whales, seals and penguins – are dependent on krill, which is a small shrimp-like organism. Donations to the Antarctic Wildlife Research Fund will come from commercial partners and will also include soon-to-be announced public contributions.

Reflecting a long history of collaboration between Australia and Norway in the Antarctic, the fund was launched at the National Maritime Museum in Sydney, during a seminar entitled Norway and Australia: Partners in Antarctica and for Sustainable Oceans, and attended by King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway, Norway’s Foreign Minister Borge Brende and Australian Environment Minister Greg Hunt

AWR’s founding members include:

• Worldwide Fund for Nature Norway (WWF-Norway)

• Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC)

• Aker BioMarine Antarctic

Every year, scientists from all over the world will be invited to submit their research proposals to the Science Advisory Group of the AWR. This group, made up of leading international Antarctic scientists, will be responsible for evaluating and prioritizing these research proposals.

THE FIRST COMMERCIAL COMMITMENT TO THE AWR WAS MADE TODAY BY AKER BIOMARINE IN THE FORM OF $500,000 USD.
Several of Aker BioMarine’s partners in Australia have also announced significant contributions to help launch the fund, including Blackmores and Swisse. Plans will be unveiled shortly for Australians to donate to the fund, which will enable them to track the progress of their "adopted penguin" in the Antarctic.

Elisabeth Røkke, representing Aker Biomarine, is thrilled to be the inaugural contributor to the fund:

"The Antarctic Wildlife Research Fund is an integral part of how we at Aker Biomarine fulfill our commitment to bring responsibly-fished krill to consumers worldwide. Harvested in pristine Antarctic waters, krill is nature´s purest source of Omega-3 and awareness of the health benefits is rapidly increasing. The growing popularity of the products requires that scientists, NGOs and producers team up to ensure that fisheries are sustainable and that Antarctic wildlife continues to thrive.

Bob Zuur, Manager of WWF’s Antarctic program, said the fund presented an important opportunity to better understand the impacts of krill fishing on the fragile Antarctic marine environment:

"Krill is the lifeblood of the Southern Ocean and supports important Antarctic wildlife such as whales, seals and penguins. It is crucial therefore that krill fishing be done in a responsible and sustainable way. The establishment of the Antarctic Wildlife Research Fund is an opportunity to continue monitoring the impacts of krill fishing and to conduct further ecological research on this important species."

Mark Epstein, AWR Chair and Executive Director of The Antarctic & Southern Ocean Coalition:

"The creation of the Antarctic Wildlife Research Fund is crucial to expanding our knowledge of krill in the Southern Ocean. Through the work of the AWR, we hope to ensure that adequate protections and management are put in place, and a healthy ecosystem is kept in place not just for krill, but for all of the Antarctic species which depend on it."

Welcome to our brand new website!

We are very proud to present the AWR webpage, just in time for the official launch on Tuesday February 24!

Big thanks to all who has been involved in writing texts and sharing their photos! Especially to Phil Trathan, Steve Nichol, Rodolfo Werner, Bob Zuur and Kjell Rune Venaas.

We hope you will find what you are looking for here. If you have any input to the webpage, please e-mail us: info@antarcticresearch.org