William Smith, a British seal hunter and explorer, made an important geographical discovery in the Southern Ocean when he identified the South Shetland Islands. His discovery occurred as part of a whaling journey intended to exploit the rich marine resources of the waters surrounding Antarctica. The South Shetland Islands, located approximately 120 kilometers off the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, are an archipelago consisting of various islands that include Livingstone Island, Greenwich Island, and Deception Island, among others.

The exploration took place during a period of increasing interest in the Antarctic region. While pursuing his whaling activities, Smith's crew navigated through rough seas and icy waters. On the 19th of February, Smith and his team realized they were approaching land, revealing a cluster of islands covered in snow and ice. They were the first known humans to set foot in this otherwise untouched part of the world, expanding the maritime maps of the time. Smith’s meticulous cartography provided essential details about the geography and location of the islands and highlighted their potential for whaling activities.

Following his discovery, the South Shetland Islands became an area of interest for various scientific, exploration, and commercial endeavors. Smith's expedition was a precursor to subsequent Antarctic explorations, paving the way for future expeditions that would focus on both the geography and the ecology of the Antarctic region. His findings were critical in establishing the existence of southern islands, which would later play significant roles in whaling operations and international territorial claims in the region.