Tait portable radios are continuing to provide a critical lifeline for scientists working in remote sub-Antarctic Islands in the Atlantic Ocean.

Zoologist Dr Peter Carey relies on Tait portables as he and colleagues restore four islands in the western Falklands to their natural state.

The islands are owned by SAFER (Sub-Antarctic Foundation for Eco-Systems Research). Rats, farming and fires have affected the vegetation on several of the islands.

Peter called into the Tait Christchurch head office recently to have another channel added to his radios so he can communicate with helicopters during pick-ups.

"The radios are even more valuable to us now as we have built better accommodation on one of the islands and are spending longer periods working there" says Peter.

The radios are used for back-back communications on the islands and can link with people on neighbouring islands in an emergency. They are also programmed to marine band channels for communications with ships.

Between breaks in the restoration project, Peter often works as a guide on environmental cruise ships. He says the radios have worked well in the extreme cold during trips to both polar regions.