This undated photo received from the Australian Antarctic Division yesterday shows rough, compacted sea ice in the Antarctic.

Sea ice cover in Antarctica dropped to a record low this year, scientists said yesterday.

They warned that the frozen continent's unpredictable nature poses growing risks to shipping, including tourist cruises, reported Agence France-Presse.

Scientists from around the world are meeting in Tasmanian capital Hobart this week to discuss sea ice fluctuations and improved navigation and forecasting, as more tourists flock to the ocean.

Satellite images confirm the continent's sea ice fell to its lowest maximum (18.013 million sq km) and minimum (2.075 million sq km) levels this year since satellite observations began in 1979, they said.