The release of mercury into the ocean poses risks to marine ecosystems and human health. Mercury can transform into methylmercury, a highly toxic form that accumulates in marine organisms and moves up the food chain. This could impact fish, seabirds, and marine mammals, and may eventually affect humans consuming seafood linked to Antarctic waters. The study warns that even if global mercury emissions are reduced, the mercury already stored in Antarctic ice will continue to be released as glaciers melt, exacerbating the problem.