Research activities in the sub-Antarctic

Abstract

Current scientific activity in the sub-Antarctic islands is assessed in the context of past achievements and potential future issues. Brief mention is made of the scientific expeditions of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. A survey of international bibliographic databases revealed the dominance of research in the life sciences, reflecting the unique characteristics of sub-Antarctic ecosystems. Research and monitoring in geosciences are also important components of scientific activities in these islands. Climate change and non-native species are two issues which dominate current and probably future studies in the sub-Antarctic.