Nelson Island

Nelson Island lies in the central South Shetland Islands between King George Island to the northeast and Robert Island to the southwest. The island is approximately 90% glaciated, with ice-free areas concentrated along the coastline. These coastal areas support significant populations of gentoo and chinstrap penguins, as well as southern elephant seals and Antarctic fur seals. The island is separated from King George Island by the narrow Fildes Strait, named after the 19th-century sealer Richard Fildes. Historical Russian name: Leipzig Island.