A vast area of the Southern Ocean is covered by sea ice in winter, but within that ice pack are large ice-free areas called polynyas. Australia’s Antarctic Territory hosts 8 of the 13 major polynyas, which are hotspots for both biology and for ocean chemistry. Unfortunately, being surrounded by hundreds of kilometres of sea ice, they’re incredibly difficult to study. This month, Beer Aquatic is celebrating its 5th birthday with Dr Sophie Bestley, who will explain how their team relies on the amazing abilities of Elephant Seals to gather essential information about these extreme Antarctic places.