Mikklesen Harbor (MIKK)
63˚54’S, 60˚47’W Magnetic declination: 13.9˚E Inventory subarea: NW Inventory acronym: MIKK Site Sensitivity: LOW Location — History — Features A small bay indenting the S side of Trinity Island between Skottsberg and Borge points, in the Palmer Archipelago. It was discovered by the Swedish Antarctic Expedition, 1901-4. The landing site is a small islet in the harbor, which is marked by a navigation tower and some unmanned huts. Landing Characteristics Rocky islet that may be snow-covered well into the austral summer. Approaching zodiacs must beware of rocks in shallow waters surrounding the islet. Landings have taken place at both the N and SE ends of the islet. Antarctic Site Inventory Effort Visits by Antarctic Site Inventory researchers, 1994-2003: 1. December 1, 1995 BH SF W. Discoverer 2. January 19, 1996 RD RP Livonia 3. January 19, 1996 RD RP Livonia 4. February 11, 1996 RP BH Livonia 5. February 3, 2001 RN Cal Star Assessment and monitoring. Preliminary surveying, censusing, mapping, and photodocumentation. More thorough ground-survey of floral communities needed. Fauna — Flora — Censuses Penguins & flying birds . Gentoo penguins are confirmed breeders. Recent gentoo penguin census data reported in Woehler (1993): 300 N3/4, 1984. Snowy sheathbills, kelp gulls, skuas, spp., and southern giant petrel noted, but breeding not confirmed. Seals . Weddell and Antarctic fur seals were hauled-out during Inventory visits. Flora . Small patch of moss, spp. noted, but island mostly snow-covered during Inventory visits. Conservation Aspects Site sensitivities. Gentoo penguins are easily approached and disturbed. Pointers for avoiding disruptions.
Visitation Aspects Numbers of tourist zodiac landings and participating visitors, 1989-2003:
Proximate visitor sites . Astrolabe Islands lies to the NE. |
