A semitransparent krill resting on a fingertip.  They are about the size of an adult human pinkie. (Credit: Sophie Webb/NOAA)

Increased krill fishing threatens whale comeback (ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ Today)

Sept. 11, 2024

Antarctic krill fishing could threaten the recovery of whale species that were nearly wiped out by industrial whaling, according to a study led by ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ and Stanford University, and published Sept. 10 in the journal Nature Communications. Zephyr Sylvester and Cassandra Brooks were part of the research team.

A dozen Adelie penguins stand on a piece of floating ice, with a dark ocean behind and a calving ice sheet in the distance.

Southern Ocean’s hidden treasures: Scientists identify crucial wildlife conservation sites (ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ Today)

Aug. 15, 2024

A team of scientists led by ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ has identified 30 new areas critical for conserving biodiversity in the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica. The researchers warn that without greater protection to limit human activities in these areas, native wildlife could face significant population declines. The team was led by Sarah Becker and includes Cassandra Brooks.

Cassandra Brooks, in warm puffy jacket and brimmed cap, stands near a penguin colony with a dark cliff behind

After witnessing climate change effects in Antarctica, expert calls for stronger conservation action (Pew)

April 25, 2024

After a recent trip to Antarctica, Cassandra Brooks (ENVS/INSTAAR) did a Q&A with The Pew Charitable Trusts about Adélie and Emperor penguins and their need for protection. Topics included climate change threats, population declines, protected areas, and hope for the future.

Cassandra Brooks, in a warm puffy jacket, stands near the shore of cold ocean waters with glacier peaks behind

ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ scientist shows expeditioners untamed Antarctica (Colorado Arts & Sciences Magazine)

Feb. 16, 2024

When she is in Antarctica, Cassandra Brooks (INSTAAR & ENVS) normally works to expand the frontiers of human knowledge. This month, she returned from a trip not focused on scientific research but on expanding the horizons of eco-tourists.

Adelie penguins hunt for fish in the cold waters of the Southern Ocean. Photo by John Weller.

Scientists call for setting limits, possible moratorium on fishing in Antarctica's Southern Ocean (Phys.org)

Oct. 21, 2022

An international group of 10 scientists, including Cassandra Brooks, is calling for protective limits on fishing in Antarctica's Southern Ocean. They report in the journal Science that current levels of fishing, combined with climate change, are taking a concerning toll on a diverse ecosystem of global importance.

Cassandra Brooks

Marine protection falls short of the 2020 target to safeguard 10% of the world’s oceans. A UN treaty and lessons from Antarctica could help (The Conversation)

Dec. 13, 2020

These international waters, known as the high seas, harbor a plethora of natural resources and millions of unique marine species. But they are being damaged irretrievably. Research shows unsustainable fisheries are one of the greatest threats to marine biodiversity in the high seas.

Cassandra Brooks smiles as audience members participate in a question she asked during her speech on March 9, 2020. Photo by Kara Wagenknecht, CU Independent.

Homeward Bound alumni speaks on gender issues in Antarctica (CU Independent)

March 10, 2020

Cassandra Brooks spoke to students and community members Monday night in the CU History Museum on her experience leading Homeward Bound, a global women’s leadership initiative in the Antarctic.

Cassandra Brooks in the snowy landscape of Antarctica.

CU researchers were part of the largest ever all-women expedition to Antarctica (9News)

Dec. 16, 2019

University of Colorado's Cassandra Brooks was one of 111 total women, 2 from CU, who went to the "global commons" of Antarctica in an all-women expedition. She wants more women to do the same. (Video.)

Cassandra Brooks

An interview with Dr. Cassandra Brooks (Nature Climate Change)

June 20, 2019

Cassandra Brooks talks about her research interests, passion for Antarctica, and commitment to science communication and policy with Nature Climate Change.