Fort Point, Greenwich Island (FORT)

62˚34’S, 59˚34’W

Magnetic declination: 12.2˚E

Inventory subarea: SH

Inventory acronym: FORT

Species Diversity: HIGH

Site Sensitivity: MODERATE         Note : Restricted visitor space

 

Location — History — Features

Rocky point, 85 meters high, forming the SE extremity of Greenwich Island. The highest rock on the seaward end of the point was initially named Castle Rock; Fort Rock was recommended in 1954 to avoid confusion with a Castle Rock at nearby Snow Island

Landing Characteristics

Uncharted water near shore. Hazardous rocks along the shoreline may be exposed, depending on the tide. Landing on narrow, elevated, rocky beach that forms SE extremity of Greenwich Island and is totally exposed to the elements. Extensive glacier inland. Loose scree slopes above the penguin colonies. Many kelp gulls, Antarctic terns, blue-eyed shags, Antarctic fulmars, snowy sheathbills, and Wilson’s storm-petrels swirling above and around the high, seaward stacks and cliffs, which cannot be accessed safely. Large numbers of fur seals, high swell, or both, may prevent landings, in which case the site is best viewed by zodiac.

Antarctic Site Inventory Effort

Visits by Antarctic Site Inventory researchers, 1994-2003:

1.    December 13, 1999    RN        Cal Star

2.    February 1, 2001        RN        Cal Star

Assessment and monitoring . This site has not been regularly visited by the Inventory, and only preliminary surveying, mapping, censusing, and terrestrial photodocumentation have been accomplished.

Fauna — Flora — Censuses

Penguins & flying birds . Chinstrap, gentoo, and macaroni penguins are confirmed breeders. Kelp gull, Antarctic tern, Antarctic fulmar, blue-eyed shag, snowy sheathbill, and Wilson’s storm-petrel have been observed and are likely breeding.

Antarctic Site Inventory censuses:

Chinstrap penguin

853    N1    1999 Dec

Gentoo penguin

282    N1    1999 Dec

Macaroni penguin

   1    N1    1999 Dec

The Inventory census in December 1999 totaled 1,100 nests of three penguin species. Recent historic chinstrap penguin census reported in Woehler (1993): 1,200 N4, 1987.    

Seals . Southern elephant, Weddell, and Antarctic fur seals hauled-out on rocky beach.

Flora . Xanthoria , spp., Haematomma , spp., Caloplaca , spp., and patches of moss, spp., noted.

Conservation Aspects

Site sensitivities . Chinstrap, gentoo, and a few macaroni penguins nesting on the point (many on uphill slopes) are easily approached and disturbed, especially in November and early December when adults will be incubating eggs; subsequently, adults will be guarding and provisioning chicks at the nest, then in crèche.

Pointers for avoiding disruptions.

• Walk slowly and carefully around nesting, crèching, or molting penguins.
• Avoid and stay clear of Antarctic fur seals, which should be given a wide berth and should not be approached.
• If seals are numerous, or with high swell or surf, zodiac tours are the best way to view the site.
• Stay clear of — and do not allow any hiking or free wandering over — scree slopes and seaward stacks and cliffs.

Visitation Aspects

Numbers of tourist zodiac landings and participating visitors, 1989-2003:    

 

 

Proximate visitor sites . Yankee Harbor, also on Greenwich Island; Robert Point and Mitchell Cove on Robert Island; the Aitcho Islands; and Half Moon Island.