New Scientist Environment recently reported about the discovery on new species while exploring the collapse of the Larsen ice-sheet in northeast Antarctica. Among the potential new species found during the trip were:

• 15 new shrimp-like amphipod species, including one that was 10 centimeters long, make it one of the largest ever seen in Antarctica
• Four new species of cnidarians - organisms related to coral, jelly fish and sea anemones
• Two new species of octopus

While diving in the Antarctica is not my preference, I understand that the visibility is great and you often explore areas that have been untouched by man.  All divers must have advanced qualifications (experience with wreck diving, deep diving, night diving and underwater navigation). If you are not a qualified ice diver you must at least have completed a dry suite diving course. We also recommend some minimal qualifications for someone to be considered for Antarctic diving: Have at least 50 total dives with at least 20 total drysuit dives in the year proceeding deployment to Antarctica.