b-15a prevented ocean currents and winds from assisting in the 2004–2005 summer break-up of the sea ice in mcmurdo sound, and was an obstacle to the annual resupply ships to three research stations. the floe was expected to cause a catastrophic decline in the population of adélie penguins, as it added considerable distances which parent penguins must travel back from the sea to their chicks. weddell seals and skuas are also inhabitants of mcmurdo sound and their populations may have been affected as well.