Disaster for Penguins as World's Largest Ice-berg Threatens their Survival.

Initially scientists had feared the iceberg would block important bird and seal foraging routes, if it anchored itself in place, which could directly impact the provisioning of chicks and pups based on the distance of travel required by the parents from breeding to feeding areas. South Georgia Island is situated inside a Marine Protected Area (MPA), where a variety of life can be found, from megafauna to corals, sponges and plankton, that are all important for healthy ecosystem functioning.

Until recently, it appeared that the world's largest iceberg, at 2600 km² was on a direct collision course with South Georgia, predicted by mid January. The worst part being, some penguin chicks are due to hatch at the end of December! Talk about bad timing!

Luckily, the oceans currents have since directed the giant iceberg away from the vulnerable habitat!

Then, on Monday, satellite imagery revealed cracks along the sheet of ice, and by Tuesday two new icebergs calved from A68a – just days after a large chunk broke off from its northernmost section.

Now scientists are monitoring the massive iceberg to see if it grounds in shallow water, which could cause issues for penguins and seals on the island that search for food in the surrounding water.

Scientists are monitoring the iceberg's journey via satellite but warned that A68a, which is propelled by the powerful circumpolar current — could hit South Georgia at any time, even within the next few days!

This poses a major is a hazard for wildlife, with the potential to crush marine life on the island's ocean shelf and make waters inhospitable as it melts to release freshwater.The iceberg could also become wedged up against the island, blocking access to the water and causing an 'apocalypse' for penguins that need to feed their young.