In the year 1984 the foundations of the Spanish base in the Antarctic were laid down, marking the start of the Spanish programme of Antarctic research. Catalan scientists such as Antoni Ballester and Pepita Castellví played a fundamental role in this.

Continual international expeditions with polar boats have been able to demonstrate that the biological production of the Antarctic is one of the highest on the planet and that this continent’s seabed contains a surprisingly high biological diversity with an abundance of endemic species. The Sea Sciences Institute in Barcelona plays a prominent role in the organisation and running of Antarctic expeditions.

Illustration of the five phases of the expedition to Antartic.

Exhibition of videos and visit a laboratory, on board of an oceanographic ship.