Field Notes by Virginia Bria
We are underway to reach the pack ice and search for Polar bears, seals and a variety of birds. In 2015 I photographed the Ivory gull flying above the pack ice. Fast forward to 2025 and they are now a rare bird to see. The pack ice just 50 years ago started at 75 degrees north and today we reached 81 degrees 49’27.4”N
20degrees43’39”E to reach the pack ice. This is a sign of shrinking ice.
Shortly after we reached pack ice we spotted a beautiful polar bear on the ice and were able to photograph him. Very lucky! Loved hearing the crackling of the ice on our bow as we headed further north,
Then later spotted a bearded seal on the ice. In addition to these we saw many birds including the ivory gull.
The group photo of us on the bow of the Sylvia Earle was awesome with the 360 camera.
An amazing day on the pack ice and a wake up call that we must protect what we love!
