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  5. 33. D’Hainaut Island, Mikkelsen Harbour, Trinity Island

33. D’Hainaut Island, Mikkelsen Harbour, Trinity Island
33.D’Hainaut Island, Mikkelsen Harbour, Trinity Island
 
63º54´00´´S, 60º47´00´´W
Latest Revision: 2012
 
Key Features
 
- Gentoo Penguins
- Whaling Artefacts
- Argentine Refuge
 
Description
TOPOGRAPHY
D’Hainaut Island is a small, largely flat, rocky island (less than 1 sq km). The island is situated in Mikkelsen Harbour a 3km wide bay, lined with ice cliffs, indenting the south side of Trinity Island between Skottsberg and Borge Point. The island is often snow covered until late in the season and there are a number of shallow reefs in the waters surrounding the island.
FAUNA
Confirmed breeders: Antarctic tern, Dominican gull, Gentoo penguin, Skua, Snowy sheathbill.
Likely breeders: Leopard seal.
Regularly haul out: Antarctic fur seal, Weddell seal.
Suspected Breeders: Crabeater Seal.
FLORA
Snow algae may be extensive in late summer. Moss spp., Prasiola crispa, Xanthoria spp., Caloplaca spp. and Verrucaria spp. noted.
OTHER
There is a small Argentine refuge on the island. In addition, there is a large pile of whalebones and a whalers’ water boat located on the northeast shore of the island.
 
Visitor Impact
KNOWN IMPACTS
None known.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
Disturbance of wildlife. Disturbance of historic artefacts.
 
Landing Requirements
SHIPS*
Max pax on board: 500
Ships at a time: 1
Comments: Maximum 3 ships per day (midnight to midnight), of which no more than 2 can carry over 200 passengers.
* A ship is defined as a vessel which carries more than 12 passengers.
VISITORS
Maximum number of visitors at any time, exclusive of expedition guides and leaders: 100
 
Visitor Area
LANDING AREA
The recommended landing is the north east beach in the vicinity of the whalebones and waterboat. There are several possible alternative landing points around the island as tide and snow conditions will dictate access.
If unable to land at the primary landing site, care should be taken to select a landing site away from penguin breeding areas.
CLOSED AREA
None.
GUIDED WALKING AREA
None.
FREE ROAMING AREA
Visitors may roam freely around the island, while taking care in the vicinity of the historic artefacts.
 
 
Visitor code of conduct
BEHAVIOUR ASHORE
  • Avoid walking in the deep snow pathways created by penguins.
  • Care should be taken not to disturb historic artefacts.
  • The refuge is not to be entered except in the case of an emergency.
  • Walk slowly and carefully. Maintain a precautionary distance of 5 metres from wildlife and give animals the right-of-way. Increase this distance if any change in behaviour is observed.
CAUTIONARY NOTES
Boat drivers should be aware of shallow, rocky approaches to the landing beach.
 
 
 
 
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