South Sandwich Islands - An understudied isolated Southern Ocean archipelago Introduction

The South Sandwich Islands are an isolated, oceanic, volcanically formed archipelago in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean. The complex bathymetry, coupled with the location in the marginal sea-ice zone and the relationship with the ACC makes the region both productive and biodiverse. Although remote, the region is not pristine and has been subject to historic exploitation of cetaceans and currently supports small, sustainably managed fisheries for two species of toothfish. This special issue brings together a suite of papers that further our knowledge of the region and will contribute to the next review of the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands Marine Protected Area, which is due in 2023. The ten papers cover a broad range of subjects, adding to our knowledge of oceanography, pelagic and benthic ecology and of habitat use by mobile vertebrate predators such as cetaceans and penguins. Whilst the papers address some important knowledge gaps, they also highlight how little is known about this region and provide pointers to future research priorities.

Automated summary

The South Sandwich Islands are an isolated, oceanic, volcanically formed archipelago in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean. Despite being remote, the region has a history of exploitation and currently supports small, sustainably managed fisheries for two species of toothfish. The research papers in this special issue cover a wide range of topics, contributing to our understanding of oceanography, ecology, and habitat use by vertebrate predators, while also highlighting the lack of knowledge about the region and pointing towards future research priorities.