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Bellingshausen Sea Loses 650k km² Ice, Threatening Penguins

6/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Scientists report the Bellingshausen Sea lost about 650,000 sq km of winter sea ice in June 2026.
Dr Will Hobbs of the University of Tasmania says warm ocean conditions prevent winter ice from reforming.
The loss threatens emperor and Adelie penguins, krill, accelerates melt of Pine Island and Thwaites glaciers.
A temperature spike of 15.4 °C at Argentina’s Esperanza base in June, above the –6.2 °C average, suggests a link to sea ice loss.

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Story summary

Scientists report the Bellingshausen Sea lost about 650,000 sq km of winter sea ice in June 2026.
Dr Will Hobbs of the University of Tasmania says warm ocean conditions prevent winter ice from reforming.
The loss threatens emperor and Adelie penguins, krill, accelerates melt of Pine Island and Thwaites glaciers.
A temperature spike of 15.4 °C at Argentina’s Esperanza base in June, above the –6.2 °C average, suggests a link to sea ice loss.