UK OVERSEAS TERRITORIES CONSERVATION FORUM
Virtual Tours: S Georgia, S Sandwich Islands
The Full Tour
Map
Introduction
Features of Natural Interest
Features of Other Interest, including Cultural
Threats / Problems / Issues
Projects / Conservation Actions
Opportunities
Organisations and Links
Tour Selection
Features of Other Interest, including Cultural
South Georgia possesses a rich and unique history. It was the southern capital for whaling in the 20th century, starting in 1904 with the establishment of the first whaling station at Grytviken by Carl Anton Larsen. By 1912, seven whaling stations were in operation and, by 1965 when whaling ceased, around 175,000 whales had been processed on South Georgia. The highly valuable whale oil produced at the stations was used in foodstuffs, cosmetics and in the production of nitro-glycerine. The now-deserted stations stand as evidence of South Georgia’s whaling past

Grytviken whaling station - the only one where asbestos removal enables public visits.


© Dr Mike Pienkowski
(Features of Other Interest, including Cultural, 1 of 8 - Slide ref. 1135)