Global experts to meet in Tas over sea ice

Record Antarctic sea ice levels have prompted a meeting of international experts amid fears access to the frozen continent will become increasingly difficult.

A two-day workshop in Hobart in May will discuss the serious problems posed by expanding sea ice to vessels travelling in many parts of the Southern Ocean as they carry out research and conduct vital supply missions to Antarctic stations.

"The aim of the ... workshop is to obtain the latest scientific advice on the causes and likely future trends in sea ice expansion ... and to discuss potential solutions," says the website of host agency, Australia's research centre into Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems.

In January 2014 Russian ship, Akademik Shokalskiy, became trapped in Antarctic sea ice, sparking a lengthy and costly rescue mission.

The meeting hopes to find measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

Some scientists believe warming ocean temperatures are causing the Antarctic ice sheet to melt, increasing surrounding sea ice.

The meeting agenda includes speakers from Australia, France, Japan, the United States, China, United Kingdom, and Germany.