H-47 



RESEARCH PROGRAMMES 



the Antarctic is limited to south of approximately 65°S except for certain runs up the South 

 American coast, which may render these data of little value. Nevertheless, the resolution is 

 75 X 56 m and sequential coverage is available every nine days. LANDSAT 2 has a similar 

 coverage but could acquire data from other areas on command. If data are required from the 

 sub-Antarctic islands, for example, a request to NASA for this coverage would probably 

 succeed if the motivation were adequate. 



Information on the extent of likely cloud contamination of satellite data can be obtained 

 from the Temperature Humidity Infra-Red Radiometer Systems on NIMBUS satellites, and 

 from the visible and infra-red systems on NOAA satellites. The extent of ice cover can be 

 determined from the scanning microwave radiometer on N0AA5 and, after launch, from 

 NIMBUS-G. The US Naval Weather Office produces maps of ice distribution in three-day 

 averages. It is possible that such maps may be made available to scientific organizations. 



2. Feasibility study of krill by remote sensing. 



As a first step in the development of a krill remote sensing programme, a feasibility study 

 should concentrate on acquiring imagery of krill swarms with currently operational sensors and 

 at low cost. Therefore, the spectral and size characteristics of krill swarms should be measured 

 as primary data for sensor specifications. Photographic spectro-radiometers and Low Light Level 

 Television equipment should all be used. 



The feasibility study should concentrate on the Antarctic Peninsula area in middle to late 

 summer, and will require a long range small to medium sized aircraft with a fuel capacity of 

 10-12 hours flying time. High precision navigation equipment is essential, together with radar, a 

 radar altimeter and standard camera hatch for sensor mounting. It is estimated that 50 hours 

 mission rime (total 100 hours) would be adequate for the feasibility study. Operations would 

 be most convenient from bases on the southern tip of South America or in Antarctica. 



3. Feasibility study of mammals and birds. 



(a) Density and distribution studies by passive sensors. 



At present no specific programme can be outlined, but it is important to initiate trials 

 of various sensors such as water penetration film, running television systems and laser systems. 



(b)Sensors for biological measurements of instrumented animals. 



The development of instrumentation and monitormg stations to measure body temperature, 

 heart rate and other physiological characteristics should be initiated. Techniques are well 

 established for terrestrial vertebrates and circuitry is well advanced. The feasibility of 

 using ocean buoys to relay data from instrumented animals to satellites should be considered. 

 With larger animals it might be possible to transmit directly to sateUites. 



SELECTED REFERENCES 



BeNIGNO, J. A. 1970. F'ish detection through aerial surveillance. Madern Fishing Gear of the World, Vol 3, 



p 44-48. (Fishing News (Books) Ltd, London.) 

 Cram, D. L.and HaMHTON, I. 1976. A proposed aerial/acoustic strategy for pelagic fish stock assessment. 



Journal du Conseil permanent international pour I't'xploration de la Mer, Vol 37, No 1. 

 El-SaYED, S.Z. 1971. Dynamics of trophic relations in the Southern Ocean. /n: QUAM, L.ed. Research in 



the Antarctic. Washington, DC, American Association for the Advancement of Science, p 73-91 . 

 El-SayED, S. Z and Green, K. A. 1974. Use of remote sensing in the study of Antarctic marine 



resources. In: BOCK, P.. BAKER, F. W. G., and RUTTl NBl RG. S. eds. COSPAR approaches to earth 



survey problems through use of space techniques: proceedings of the symposium held in Constance . . . 



1973. Berlin, Akademie-Verlag, p 47-63. 

 I VANOV, B. G. 1969. O svechenii antarkticheskogo krilya (b'upliausia superba) |Lumincscencc of Antarctic 



krill (t'uphausia superba)] . Okeanologiya . Tom 9, Vypusk 3. p 505-06. 



