Comparative studies of vegetation surveys, maps, species lists and lichen growth rates of the Cape Hallett region (Seebee Hook, Willett Cove and the scree slopes surrounding them) with a 1968 study

The first botanical work at Cape Hallett was carried out when Hallett Station existed in the early to late 1960s. These studies were used for comparative purposes of vegetation cover and lichen growth rates. The entire area of Seebee Hook, the eastern shore of Willett Cove and the scree slope around them was mapped and searched for lichens and mosses. A site that was mapped in 1962 was found and remapped for comparisons to reveal any vegetation changes. A small number of photographs of plants (photo points) from 1968 were relocated (in the 1998-1999 season) and new photographs were taken which allows estimates of growth rates to be made. The 1998-1999 season identified the main areas of vegetation. These were recorded in detail and their location was mapped by GPS and fitted to a digital land surface in the 2003-2004 season. The areas originally photographed by Rudolph were again relocated, rephotographed and remapped in detail to determine vegetation changes. 44 out of the original 50 photo points were found (in the 2004-2005 season) and rephotographed and their locations better recorded by GPS. 12 new growth assessment points were established near Luther Lake, a site remote from the influence of birds. All photo points were rephotographed again in the 2005-2006 season.