The presence and extent of interstitial meiofauna in sandy beaches and stream and coastal water sampling to determine the nutrient input to the sea from penguin colonies

The timing of melting was late and only a short period of time was available for sampling. The nutrient levels from the meltwater streams that flow from the ice face and down across the moraine at Cape Bird was also investigated.

The river 300m north of the Cape Bird hut was regularly sampled at 3 points; the origin at the base of the Mt Bird ice cap, before the flow enters the penguin colony and after its passage through the colony where it enters the sea. Samples were analysed for reactive phosphate and nitrates (unsuccessful for nitrates). Flow rates were measured using a v-notch weir, water depth transects and flow velocity.