7 May 2026
Australian scientists from different organisations boarded icebreaking research supply vessel ‘Nuyina’ in April to undertake work at Macquarie Island.
Onboard was the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency’s (ARPANSA) Jane McLeish.
With thermals and water-proof clothing in tow, she says she voyaged stormy seas to the sub-Antarctic island to undertake maintenance work at one of ARPANSA’s radiation monitoring facilities.
‘To make sure that no nuclear detonation goes unnoticed, the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty’s international monitoring system covers the globe, including having radionuclide monitoring stations at one of the most remote places in the world,’ Ms McLeish said.
ARPANSA maintains a total of nine air-monitoring stations, including installations at Macquarie Island and Mawson, with support provided by the Australian Antarctic Division and the Australian Safeguards and Non‑Proliferation Office. In its role as Australia’s CTBT authority, ASNO oversees the national contribution to the International Monitoring System, one of the largest globally, ensuring Australia’s data underpins the international system designed to detect any nuclear test.
The Antarctic and sub‑Antarctic stations monitor atmospheric radionuclides. Measurement data is then transmitted via satellite to Vienna for analysis within the framework of the International Monitoring System, established under the CTBT and overseen by ASNO.
‘While I miss my family and friends, it’s a rare and wonderful experience to travel to Macquarie Island - I don’t get to see penguins and seals when I undertake maintenance work at our monitoring stations on mainland Australia.’
ARPANSA has a UV monitoring station on Macquarie Island, as well as at Davis, Casey and Mawson stations in Antarctica. UV data from Antarctica is available in a real-time UV index chart on our website along with major population centres in Australia.
Australia’s Antarctic Program allows you to follow Nuyina’s research expeditions on their website: RSV Nuyina icebreaker webcam – Australian Antarctic Program
