Advancing Southern Ocean ecosystem science through polar collaboration.

Dr. Shramik Patil, Scientist E, NCPOR, participated in the 42nd Chinese National Antarctic Research Expedition (CHINARE) through the Joint Transdisciplinary Research on EcoSystems (JTRES) in Prydz Bay, Antarctica, from 15 Mar–26 Apr 2026.

Aboard IBRV Xuelong 2, Dr. Patil investigated the Southern Ocean’s twilight ecosystem and collected key samples to advance understanding of plankton ecology, biogeography, and how temperature, acidity, nutrients and gas exchange influence Southern Ocean CO₂ uptake.