# British Antarctic Survey Launches Largest Penguin Census

> British Antarctic Survey starts largest-ever penguin census using drones and aircraft.
- Title: British Antarctic Survey Launches Largest Penguin Census
- Summary: British Antarctic Survey starts largest-ever penguin census using drones and aircraft.
- Keywords: british antarctic survey, rrs sir david attenborough, penguin census, adélie penguins, chinstrap penguins, gentoo penguins, antarctic peninsula, south shetland, elephant island, south orkney, humpback whales, amundsen sea
- Source: MercoPress — https://en.mercopress.com/2026/11/12/british-antarctic-survey-begins-a-season-featuring-the-largest-ever-penguin-census
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: british antarctic survey, rrs sir david attenborough, penguin census, adélie penguins, chinstrap penguins, gentoo penguins, antarctic peninsula, south shetland, elephant island, south orkney, humpback whales, amundsen sea
## British Antarctic Survey Begins Season
The British Antarctic Survey started its 2026/27 research season in late October with the largest penguin census ever conducted on the continent.
## Penguin Census Methodology
Scientists use aerial camera systems on Twin Otter aircraft to count Adélie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguin colonies across the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland groups.
## New Projects Launched
New projects include drone-based whale monitoring, Amundsen Sea water flow studies, and ice shelf research with NASA and the California Institute of Technology.
## 40-Year Groundfish Survey
The groundfish survey at King Edward Point station marks 40 years since it began in 1987, tracking ocean warming effects on fish populations.
## BAS Director Statement
BAS Director Professor Dame Jane Francis emphasizes collaboration with international researchers and long-term monitoring programs.
## Key takeaway

British Antarctic Survey begins largest-ever penguin census to track population changes and krill fishing impacts.