Ships bring in organisms that threaten the unique ecosystem of Antarctica

Antarctica has been isolated from the rest of the world for millions of years, but nowadays ships can potentially unwittingly bring alien marine animals and algae to the mainland that harm the unique ecosystem.

Such invasive species can pose a serious threat to ecosystems by invading territory and creating new habitats, or destroying species that do not have adequate protection.

The best way to protect yourself from this is & ndash; prevent the emergence of any non-native species. Despite the fact that any new species will have to survive in the icy waters around Antarctica, ships usually visit the areas that are heated the fastest due to climate change.

According to researchers from the National Academy of Sciences, published in PNAS magazine, ships going to Antarctica most often import living organisms from South America, Northern Europe or the Western Pacific.