The world's largest iceberg , known as A23a , has begun to break up , sparking concern among scientists and environmentalists .
Covering 3,600 square kilometres , this massive block of ice, which broke away from the Filchner Ice Shelf in Antarctica in 1986 , has remained virtually unchanged for more than 30 years .
However, recent satellite observations confirm that a significant 19-kilometer -long portion has separated from the main block , which could accelerate its decomposition and generate a series of environmental consequences .
As the iceberg moves towards South Georgia Island in the South Atlantic , there are fears that a possible stranding in shallower waters could seriously affect local populations of penguins and seals , which depend on these ecosystems for food and reproduction .
Historically, icebergs stranded on South Georgia have caused havoc for local wildlife . In 2004 , iceberg A38 caused high mortality among penguin and seal pups as the ice blocks prevented access to feeding grounds.
Fears that iceberg A23a could cause similar problems have led the international scientific community to step up monitoring .
On the other hand, in another aspect of the company Argos Froyanes , which operates illegally without the corresponding Argentine authorization in South Georgia, reported that icebergs in the region have changed the dynamics of fishing operations, with fragments varying in size from football stadiums to the dimensions of a desk , and with changes from year to year, which also increases the risks in the illegal activity they carry out.
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