Robert Point, Robert Island (ROBE)
62˚28’S, 59˚23’W Magnetic declination: 13.5˚E Inventory subarea: SH Inventory acronym: ROBE Site Sensitivity: LOW Location — History — Features This is the SE tip of Robert Island, in the South Shetlands. The point has been known to sealers for more than a century, but it is not known for whom the point or the island is named. Landing Characteristics A new visitor site, which offers breeding chinstrap penguins, many elephant seals, and rugged scenery. Antarctic Site Inventory Effort Visits by Antarctic Site Inventory researchers, 1994-2003: 1. November 29, 1995 BH W. Discoverer 2. December 11, 1995 BH W. Discoverer 3. February 9, 1996 BH RP Livonia Assessment and monitoring. Only preliminary surveying, censusing, mapping, and photodocumentation have been accomplished. Fauna — Flora — Censuses Penguins & flying birds . Confirmed breeding species include chinstrap penguin, kelp gull, and pintado petrel. Recent chinstrap penguin census data reported in Woehler (1993): 2,500 A3, 1987. Seals . Southern elephant seals haul-out in substantial numbers. Weddell and Antarctic fur seals also may be found. Flora . Crustose lichens observed near the pintado breeding cliffs. Conservation Aspects Site sensitivities. Chinstrap 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. Mitchell Cove, Robert Island; Half Moon Island; the Aitcho Islands; and Fort point and Yankee Harbor on Greenwich Island. |
