Sea ice observations in the Southern Ocean for the period 1956–1982 are interpreted and summarized and the general trends in sea ice occurrence, development and decay are described. Interannual variations with special emphasis on seasonal and year‐to‐year changes in the main elements of the sea ice regime are discussed: these include such elements as the extent of pack ice and the distribution of fast ice. Polynyas and ice massifs are also discussed. Volumes of both sea ice and icebergs at both their maximum and minimum extent, together with seasonal and spatial variations are discussed. The results obtained in terms of sea ice and icebergs differ considerably from previous estimates.