[Jeff Chandler]

The Danger Islands, said the team, has felt the ravages of climate change less than the western peninsula, and knew very little human activity.

Now it turns out, the area may need stronger protection from overfishing.

In the west Antarctic, Adelie penguins are in decline due to sea ice melt blamed on global warming

In the west Antarctic, Adelie penguins are in decline due to sea ice melt blamed on global warming

“The most important implication of this work is related to the design of Marine Protected Areas in the region,” said Lynch.

“Now that we know this tiny island group is so important, it can be considered for further protection from fishing.”

In addition to Adelies, the team also found about 100 nests of gentoo penguins, and about 27 nests of chinstrap penguins.

The polar regions are warming more rapidly than the rest of Earth as heat-trapping greenhouse gasses from fossil fuel-burning build up in the atmosphere.

[blueplum]

Now it turns out, the area may need stronger protection from overfishing.The enviro drivel did tend to dampen the delight, didn't it? Party poopers. But since researchers hadn't been able to get to the Danger Islands because of ice, and so ignored them, local overfishing is probably not a big problem. The biggest danger is human over-activity, drawing the attention of some rather smart and observant sea critters who will want to investigate what all the hubbub is about, and find a banquet table.