That is the location of an Emperor penguin colony. They went to tag seals that are also in that area and to assist a group of Emperor penguin researchers. The seals in this area are considered out of the study area. After having the experience of working the south part of the study area yesterday, I wanted to share my many observations of a census day. Some seals are in the water on one day but may be out the next.
Some seals move from one area to another and back, and others are always found in the same area.
There may be a seal or two that hadn't been seen for a long period and now they have returned. We always work in pairs and spread out to cover the entire area. One pair starts to the south, one to the north, and one pair covers the middle. We are familiar with the island cracks and the ice cracks that run out in the open where seals have established a colony. I have worked with Katsu and Yoko doing the census for Turks Head and Big Razorback Island.