Antarctic fast-ice ecosystems are highly exposed to the effects of climate change, as alterations in sea-ice extent, persistence and stability can profoundly influence habitat availability, species distribution and ecosystem functioning. These habitats, however, remain poorly studied because of the logistical challenges associated with sampling under ice-covered conditions. Two studies from Terra Nova Bay (Ross Sea, Antarctica), carried out using remote visual technologies, have improved our understanding of biodiversity patterns and ecosystem responses to changing sea-ice conditions. Surveys conducted using a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) under fast ice revealed the presence of key life-history stages of several notothenioid species within shallow and medium-depth shelf habitats. Different habitat types were associated with distinct life-history stages, including settlement areas for juvenile fish, areas dominated by adults, and sites where reproductively mature individuals were observed. These findings highlight the ecological relevance of coastal ice-covered areas as essential habitats supporting recruitment, adult populations and reproduction in Antarctic fish communities. In a complementary study, multi-year deployments of Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems (BRUVS) investigated the occurrence of Antarctic toothfish (Dissostichus mawsoni) in shelf habitats under different fast-ice conditions. Toothfish abundance was significantly higher beneath intact ice and declined markedly in altered ice environments, indicating a close relationship between this high-level predator and sea-ice integrity. As sea-ice anomalies and extreme weather events are expected to increase under future climate scenarios, such changes may affect the spatial distribution of toothfish and potentially alter trophic dynamics in Antarctic coastal ecosystems. These studies identify Antarctic fast-ice habitats as key areas supporting critical life-history stages of notothenioid fishes. Climate-driven changes to fast ice may therefore alter coastal biodiversity and trophic dynamics, highlighting the need to improve our understanding of these ecosystems to support their conservation and management.