Scientists bring back live fish from Antarctica 

Kristiyan Vladov and Stefan Kyurkchiev of the Plovdiv Museum of Natural History are working on a project to bring live fish from the southern Arctic Circle to Bulgaria. The aim is to create an Antarctic aquarium in Plovdiv, where visitors - from students to researchers - can see unique Antarctic organisms.

Mr Vladov, who is a hydrobiologist, explains that Antarctic fish have developed special mechanisms to survive in the icy waters. For example, icefish have no haemoglobin and breathe through their skin, which could be important for future medical research into anaemia.

Meanwhile, BTA reported that the Sts Cyril and Methodius research vessel - NIC 421 - set sail for Bulgaria on 16 February and began crossing the Drake Passage.