The Government is pumping an extra $15.3 million over the next four years, into what it describes as vital science research in Antarctica.

Some of the money will fund the continuation of the globally acclaimed Andrill project, which involves Victoria and Otago University scientists drilling for sediments that can reveal information about past climates.

A number of other projects will study aspects of the Ross Sea ecosystem. Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully, says New Zealand has a responsibility to manage and protect this unique and vulnerable region.

“New Zealand’s science leadership and expertise highlights our stewardship role in the Ross Sea region.

“The knowledge generated by New Zealand’s scientists is critical to fisheries management and other activities with potential environmental impact.”

The results of the Andrill project so far have given scientists a picture of how Antarctic ice shelves and ice sheets behaved during periods of natural global warming.

– NEWSTALKZB