A diving hole in the sea ice:
Much of the diving at McMurdo Sound is through holes that are blasted in the 8 to 15 foot thick sea ice. Here is such a hole, showing the clear dark waters beneath. Visibility in the early part of the season can be in excess of 500 feet. The divers see the sea ice above stretching out like a vast roof.


Antarctic Diving:
Diving in the Antarctic is like no other, the water is 28F (-2.0C). Dry suits keep out the cold, for a while, and allow the adventurous to see the unique fauna under the thick sea ice of McMurdo Sound.



A feeding frenzy:
One of these starfish, Odontaster validus, found something to eat and a few of the other starfish nearby have gathered to steal their share. Food is rare enough that sometimes these piles can be hundreds of individuals.



A rare Antarctic octopus:
This tiny octopus was photographed in mid-water. In the background, dimly visible, is a frozen brine channel from the sea ice that is above.




An Antarctic Octopus:
This animal is quite small and is usually an inhabitant of deeper water. Its thin arms are used for capturing less robust prey, like small shrimps and other crustaceans.



The Antarctic Ice Fish:
This Antarctic fish, in the genus Chaenichthys, does not have hemoglobin in its blood, which is unusually resistant to freezing in the cold Antarctic waters.



Feather Duster Worm:
This is the breathing and feeding apparatus of a small tube-dwelling polychaete worm. It uses this to capture tiny particles of food from the sea water. It is sensitive and is quickly withdrawn when it is touched.



A Small Shrimp:
An eye-to-eye view of a small shrimp that was scurrying around on the bottom looking for worms to catch or scavenge the meals of other larger animals.




Giant Jellyfish:
Some Antarctic jellyfish can get enormous. This one was three feet across with tentacles that extended at least forty feet. The long tentacles catch tiny fish and crustacea that swim in the water.
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