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THE MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION COMPENDIUM

MULTILATERAL / ANTARCTICA
Volume(s) 1-3; pages 136-187


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Measures Approved or Recommended Under Article IX in Furtherance of Principles and Objectives of the Antarctic Treaty, Washington, 1979


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Adopted at Washington 5 October 1979

Recommendations X-2 through X-8 effective 8 April 1987; Recommendations X-1 and X-9 effective 16 November 1989


Primary source citation: Antarctic Treaty: Report of the Tenth Consultative Meeting, the U.S. Department of State, Washington, 1979


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RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED AT THE TENTH ANTARCTIC TREATY CONSULTATIVE MEETING

X-1 Antarctic Mineral Resources

The Representatives,

Convinced of the need to preserve and further strengthen the international regime established in Antarctica by the Antarctic Treaty, which has for nearly two decades guaranteed the use of Antarctica exclusively for peaceful purposes, and in the interest of the development of international cooperation;

Aware of the responsibilities of the Consultative Parties to ensure that any activities in Antarctica, including mineral exploration and exploitation, should they occur, should be consistent with all the principles and purposes of the Antarctic Treaty system, including its objectives that activities in Antarctica should not become the cause of international discord, endanger the unique Antarctic environment, or disrupt scientific investigations;

Concerned that unregulated mineral resource activities could significantly harm the fragile Antarctic ecosystem;

Noting that decisions on possible mineral resource activities must take due account of the unique ecological and scientific value of Antarctica and the importance of Antarctica to the world environment;

Recognizing that available information is insufficient reliably to assess the possible environmental effects of many activities in the area of exploration and exploitation of mineral resources in Antarctica, and conscious of the need for developing research programs aimed at improving predictions of the possible impact of such activities in Antarctica and for promoting the development of monitoring programs aimed at detecting the impact of such activities on the Antarctic environment should such activities occur;

Convinced that informed decision-making on questions of mineral resource activities will usually require the availability of information from such programs;

Aware also of the necessity to obtain additional scientific information with a view to facilitating the development of measures related to the protection of the Antarctic environment from possible harmful impacts of mineral resource exploration and exploitation, should such activities occur;

Noting that a meeting of ecological, technological, and other related experts was held in Washington, D.C., 25 June to 29 June, 1979, as part of the Preparatory Meeting to the Tenth Consultative Meeting with a view to developing scientific programs aimed at improving predictions of the impact of possible technologies for mineral exploration and exploitation in the Antarctic, and developing measures for the prevention of damage to the environment or for its rehabilitation;

Recalling the provisions of Recommendations VIII-14 and IX-1;

Recognizing the necessity for progress towards the timely adoption of an agreed regime concerning Antarctic mineral resources;

Recommend to their Governments that:

1. They take note of the progress made toward the timely adoption of a regime for Antarctic mineral resources at the Tenth Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting and related meetings, and of the importance of this progress.

2. They continue consultations proceeding from the provisions of Recommendation IX-1 and from the provisions of the present Recommendation.

To this end, they should:

(i) Continue to develop a common understanding of the general purposes of the regime and to identify the specific elements of the regime needed to ensure achievement of those purposes;

(ii) Continue to give thorough examination to all of the elements necessary to ensure that the future regime will achieve its general purposes;

(iii) Hold a meeting before the Eleventh Consultative Meeting, preferably in the first half of 1980, to consider a regime for Antarctic mineral resources in its ecological, political, technological, legal and other aspects; and

(iv) in this regard, make the best possible use of the report of the Tenth Consultative Working Group on Antarctic Resources - The Question of Mineral Exploration and Exploitation: Legal and Political Aspects (which is annexed to the Final Report of the Tenth Consultative Meeting) and of the section of this Final Report which refers to the work of the Working Group on Antarctic Resources - The Question of Mineral Exploration and Exploitation: Scientific and Environmental Aspects.

3. The agreed regime for Antarctic mineral resources should be based upon provisions of paragraphs 1, 3, 4, and 5 of Recommendation IX-1 and on such further principles, rules and arrangements as may be subsequently agreed.

4. An agreed regime on Antarctic mineral resources should include inter alia means for:

(i) assessing the possible impact of mineral resource activities on the Antarctic environment in order to provide for informed decision-making;

(ii) determining whether mineral resource activities will be acceptable;

(iii) governing the ecological, technological, political, legal, and economic aspects of those activities in cases where they would be determined acceptable; including:

a) establishing, as an important part of the regime, rules relating to the protection of the Antarctic environment; and

b) requiring that mineral resource activities undertaken pursuant to the regime be undertaken in compliance with such rules.

5. Taking account of the Report of Ecological, Technological, and Other Related Experts on Mineral Exploration and Exploitation in Antarctica (Washington, June 1979), attached as an annex to the Report of the Tenth Consultative Meeting, they facilitate their research activities which would contribute to an improved understanding of relevant aspects of the Antarctic and its environment.

6. With a view to improving predictions of the environmental impacts of activities, events, and technologies associated with mineral resource exploration and exploitation in the Antarctic should such occur, they, through their respective National Antarctic Committees, encourage the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research to define programs, taking account of the Experts Report (Washington, June 1979), with the objectives of:

retrieving and analyzing relevant information from past observations and research programs;

ensuring in relation to the needs for information identified by the Experts Report, that effective use is made of existing programs;

identifying and developing new programs that should have priority, taking account of the length of time required for results to become available.

7. Insofar as is feasible they support, as appropriate, their respective National Antarctic Committees and the offices administering their Antarctic research programs in developments arising from the previous paragraph.

8. The subject ‘Antarctic Resources - The Question of Mineral Exploration and Exploitation’ be placed in the Agenda of the Eleventh Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting.

X-2 Antarctic Marine Living Resources

The Representatives,

Recalling the responsibilities of the Consultative Parties regarding the conservation of Antarctic marine living resources;

Recalling further the history of action taken by Consultative Parties concerning protection of the Antarctic ecosystem, including, in particular, Recommendations III-VIII, VIII-10, VIII-13, IX-2 and IX-5;

Aware of the continuing need to compile more information and data with a view to develop an adequate scientific basis for the development of rational management policies and the taking of effective conservation measures for all Antarctic marine living resources;

Welcoming progress made toward the elaboration of a definitive regime for the conservation of Antarctic marine living resources;

Reaffirming their commitment to the early conclusion of a definitive regime for the conservation of Antarctic marine living resources;

Recommend to their Governments that:

1. They seek early conclusion and entry into force of a Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources;

2. They identify, emphasize and cooperate in those research activities which will facilitate the effective operation of such a Convention once it is in force;

3. They provide practical support to facilitate the carrying out of these needed research activities, including the mutual exchange of statistics relating to catch of Antarctic marine living resources.

X-3 Improvement of Telecommunications in Antarctica and the Collection and Distribution of Antarctic Meteorological Data

The Representatives,

Recalling Recommendations VI-1, VI-3, and VII-7;

Noting that the Third Antarctic Treaty Meeting on Telecommunications held in Washington in September 1978 had described the telecommunications network for the exchange of meteorological data both within the Antarctic and between the Antarctic and Global Telecommunications System (GTS) of the World Weather Watch (WWW) as it existed in September 1978 (see Annexes 1, 2 and 3).

Taking account of the importance of Antarctic meteorological data to the WWW and the diminished value of such data if it is not available to users within and outside the Antarctic in accordance with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) schedules for the receipt of raw and processed data;

Reaffirming the importance of the GTS for purposes of transmitting Antarctic meteorological data between Antarctic stations in cases where direct transmission within Antarctic is inhibited by ionospheric conditions;

Noting, with appreciation, the response of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) to Recommendation IX-3 and the improvement in Antarctic telecommunications that would follow if operators and offices administering Antarctic programs had available to them statements of the current telecommunications practices within and between national networks;

Recognizing that changing national requirements for Antarctic telecommunications, changing technology or budgetary constraints may lead to significant incompatibilities arising between national networks;

Recognizing that possible future trans-polar commercial air traffic and the steadily increasing amount of shipping in the Antarctic region may give rise to a changing pattern of needs for raw and processed meteorological data;

Affirming that developments in the collection and distribution of meteorological data should be reviewed from time to time;

Recommend to their governments that:

1. Taking account of the final report of the Third Antarctic Treaty Meeting on Telecommunications, they should strive to improve the system for the collection and distribution of Antarctic meteorological data having regard particularly to increasing efficiency, reliability and economy of effort; taking into account opportunities offered by new technology;

2. Each station undertaking meteorological observations should ensure that data are transmitted as soon as practicable after the observation;

3. Stations receiving these data for onward transmission to other Antarctic stations or to the GTS should forward such data with minimum delay;

4. In cooperation with other Antarctic stations and World Meteorological Centers, they continue regularly to monitor receipt of Antarctic data by, and its transmission within, the GTS;

5. In cooperation with the WWW, they seek to ensure that the transmission of these data from the GTS to Antarctic stations is facilitated in cases where this method is likely to be more reliable or cost-effective than trans-Antarctic transmissions;

6. Through their National Antarctic Committees, they invite SCAR to prepare a brief handbook of the telecommunications practices within and between national networks in a format which allows it to be amended periodically in the light of changes in national practices;

7. For the purposes of the previous paragraph, they ensure that their offices administering Antarctic programs inform SCAR in June and December each year of changes in their telecommunications practices;

8. Subject to overriding scientific, administrative or budgetary reasons, they seek to ensure, by means of appropriate contacts with the offices administering Antarctic programs, that transmission of meteorological data between Antarctic stations is not prejudiced by changes in their telecommunications practices;

9. They invite WMO, through their Permanent Representatives to that Organization, to review Annexes 1 and 2 of Recommendation VI-3 with a view to advising Consultative Parties about current, and probable future, requirements for both raw and processed data in the Antarctic region;

10. Not later than at the Twelfth Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting they review developments in Antarctic telecommunications for meteorological purposes, having sought in the interim period to resolve any international difficulties that may arise with regard to the system by appropriate discussion.

X-4 Man's Impact on the Antarctic Environment: Collection of Geological Specimens

The Representatives,

Recalling Article II of the Antarctic Treaty;

Recognising that an essential element in geological investigations is the collection and removal of specimens but that the removal of specimens from areas which are of exceptional geological interest needs, as far as is practicable, to be kept to a minimum in order to avoid prejudicing subsequent geological investigations in such areas.

Noting that:

(i) this problem is presented in a more acute form in areas where more than one expedition is undertaking geological investigations;

(ii) a similar problem has already been recognised with regard to the collection of meteorites;

(iii) it might be appropriate to designate small areas which are of exceptional geological interest as Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

Recommend to their Governments that, through their National Committees, they refer the matter to the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) for further study.

X-5 Man's Impact on the Antarctic Environment: Site of Special Scientific Interest - Interim Guidelines

The Representatives,

Recalling Recommendations VII-3, VIII-3 and VIII-4;

Noting that a management plan has been prepared for a Site of Special Scientific Interest on the western shore of Admiralty Bay, King George Island;

Considering that it would be advantageous to gather experience of the practical effect of the management plan prepared for this Site;

Recommend to their Governments that they voluntarily take account of the management plan, annexed to this recommendation, for Site No. 8 western shore of Admiralty Bay, King George Island.

Annex Site of Special Scientific Interest No. 8 Western Shore of Admiralty Bay, King George Island Management Plan

(i) Description of Site

All that area on the western shore of Admiralty Bay, south of Ezcurra Inlet, south of a line connecting Jardine Peak and the shoreline immediately to the north of a prominent group of rocks characterized by a covering of orange lichens bearing approximately 068° from Jardine Peak, and east of a line joining Jardine Peak, The Tower and a point on shore line bearing 180° from The Tower.

(ii) Reason for Designation

This area is one of exceptional scientific interest close to a research station frequently visited by tourist ships. It supports an exceptional assemblage of Antarctic birds and mammals. Long-term research programs could be jeopardised by accidental interference, especially during the breeding season of these animals.

(iii) Outline of Research

The area supports a breeding colony of Elephant seals and the three species of pygoscelid penguins in association with eight species of flighted birds. The purpose of the investigations is to gain insight into the dynamics of a typical, but particularly rich, Antarctic coastal ecosystem. Studies of the functioning of the inshore and coastal zone in relation to the ecosystem will include quantitative studies of the circulation of matter and energy between the coastal and marine environments.

(iv) Date of Expiry of Designation

31 March 1985. (v) Access Points

The site should be entered only from the vicinity of Point Thomas.

(vi) Pedestrians and Vehicular Routes

Vehicles should not enter the site. Pedestrians should not move through the populated areas, especially during the breeding season, except as necessary in the course of scientific investigations.

(vii) Other Kinds of Scientific Investigations Which Would Not Cause Harmful Interference

Scientific investigation which will not cause significant disturbance to the biological programmes mentioned in section (iii) above.

(viii) Scientific Sampling

Scientific sampling, other than that associated with the research programme described above, should be kept to a minimum and in accordance with the Agreed Measures for the Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora.

(ix) Other Restraints

Helicopters and low-flying aircraft should avoid the breeding colonies of birds in accordance with the Agreed Measures for the Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora.

X-6 Man's Impact on the Antarctic Environment: Sites of Special Scientific Interest

The Representatives,

Recalling Recommendations VIII-3 and VIII-4;

Noting that:

(i) in accordance with paragraph 2 of Recommendation VIII-3 the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR), at its Fifteenth Meeting at Chamonix in May 1978, had reviewed the seven sites of Special Scientific Interest designated in Recommendation VIII-4;

(ii) experience of the practical effect of the management plans for these sites had shown them to be an effective means of reducing the risk of harmful interference in areas of exceptional scientific interest;

(iii) no change to these management plans had been proposed by SCAR;

Recommend to their Governments that:

1. The date of expiry of designation of the following sites should be extended from 30 June 1981 to 30 June 1985:

Site No. 1: Cape Royds, Ross Island

Site No. 2: Arrival Heights, Hut Point Peninsula, Ross Island

Site No. 3: Barwick Valley, Victoria Land

Site No. 4: Cape Crozier, Ross Island

Site No. 5: Fildes Peninsula, King George Island, South Shetland Islands

Site No. 6: Byers Peninsula, Livingston Island, South Shetland Islands.

2. The date of expiry of designation of Site No. 7: Haswell Island, should be extended from 30 June 1981 to 30 June 1983. 3. They use their best endeavors to ensure, in accordance with paragraphs 3 and 4 of Recommendation VIII-3, that the management plans of these sites are observed.

X-7 Oil Contamination of the Antarctic Marine Environment

The Representatives,

Recalling that paragraph 4 of Recommendation IX-6 called for such reports as might have been prepared on the matters set out in the first three paragraphs of that Recommendation to be considered at the Meeting of Experts recommended in paragraph 3 of Recommendation IX-1;

Noting that three reports were submitted to that meeting (Washington, June 1979) which, between them:

(i) outlined the probable pathways by which oil might reach the Antarctic marine environment;

(ii) concentrated on the question of baseline measurements of the hydrocarbon content of the Antarctic marine environment and on programs for further study of this question;

(iii) devoted less attention to proposals relating to practicable means by which oil contamination of the Antarctic marine environment might be reduced;

(iv) noted the need for further studies relating to the problem of oil contamination of the Antarctic marine environment;

Recognizing that methods for analysing dissolved hydrocarbons have not yet reached the stage where they can be used on a routine basis and that the results of such measurements have given rise to differing interpretations as to their environmental significance, especially regarding very low levels of hydrocarbon content in water samples from the open ocean;

Recognizing that determination of baseline measurements of the hydrocarbon content in representative components of the Antarctic marine ecosystem (including birds and mammals) would probably, in the medium term, provide a more cost-effective insight into levels of oil contamination of the Antarctic marine environment;

Noting that up to now the most significant introduction of oil in the Antarctic marine environment has appeared to be from the operation of ships and that there are international agreements aimed at reducing the levels of oil contamination of the marine environment generally;

Recognizing that the presence of ice in Antarctic waters gives rise to particular hazards for the operation of ships; and

Noting that in many instances it may not be feasible to adapt existing ships to more stringent standards for the prevention of the contamination of the sea by oil than those which existed at the time these ships were built;

Recommend to their Governments that:

1. They take note of Section III of the Report of Ecological, Technological, and other Related Experts on Mineral Exploration and Exploitation in Antarctica (Washington, 1979), annexed to the Final Report of the Tenth Consultative Meeting;

I Baseline Levels of Hydrocarbon Content

2. While coordinating programs through their National Committees and the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR), they encourage studies of:

(a) baseline measurements of hydrocarbon content in representative components of the Antarctic marine ecosystem (including birds and mammals);

(b) the effects of various kinds and concentrations of hydrocarbons (and other pollutants) on key components of the Antarctic marine ecosystem;

(c) the methodology of analysing low levels of dissolved hydrocarbon content of the marine environment and the development of this methodology for purposes of routine measurements;

3. Through their National Committees, they invite SCAR in consultation with other appropriate international organizations, to keep under review the possibility of developing a program for the determination of baseline measurements of hydrocarbon content relevant to the needs for such determinations in the Antarctic marine environment.

II Reduction of the Risk of Contamination

4. They review their respective obligations under existing international agreements to which they are parties which relate to the reduction of contamination of the sea by oil and, in the light of the particularly hazardous nature of the Antarctic for ship operations, consider whether their compliance with these obligations adequately minimizes the risk of oil contamination of the Antarctic marine environment;

5. They be prepared to discuss this matter further at the Eleventh Consultative Meeting.

X-8 Effects of Tourists and Non-Government Expeditions in the Antarctic Treaty Area

The Representatives,

Recalling that Annex A to Recommendation VIII-9 was to be discussed at the Ninth Consultative Meeting and that a draft text of a Statement of Accepted Practices and the Relevant Provisions of the Antarctic Treaty was referred from the Ninth to the Tenth Consultative Meeting;

Recognizing that, in addition to the statement referred to in the previous paragraph which is primarily intended for the organizers of tourist expeditions, it would be helpful to the organizers of such expeditions to be able to provide to individual visitors a brief guide to good conduct in the Antarctic;

Noting that adventurous individuals organizing non-governmental expeditions to Antarctica may seek help or advice from offices administering Antarctic programs;

Recognizing, also, that in considering responses to requests for help from such expeditions, an important concern is the possibility that such expeditions may, in cases of emergency, involve the offices administering Antarctic programs in financial or material loss;

Recognizing that suitably qualified guides accompanying commercially organized Antarctic tours would both benefit the tourists and help to ensure that the conservation and environmental measures adopted by the Consultative Parties were observed;

Reaffirming the traditional principle in the Antarctic of rendering all assistance feasible in the event of an emergency request for help, but noting that commercial overflights of Antarctica are operating in a particularly hazardous environment, where aircraft operation systems normally available elsewhere in the world are at a minimum, and where emergencies could arise which are beyond the capacity of permanent Antarctic expeditions to respond adequately;

Recommend to their governments that:

I STATEMENT OF ACCEPTED PRACTICES AND THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS OF THE ANTARCTIC TREATY

They insert the attached statement of Accepted Practices and the Relevant Provisions of the Antarctic Treaty into Annex A to Recommendation VIII-9 for the purposes set out in operative paragraph 1 of that Recommendation.

II

NON-GOVERNMENTAL EXPEDITIONS

If a non-governmental expedition approaches a Consultative Party for help or advice, that Consultative Party should inform the Contracting Party where the expedition to Antarctica is being organized and may request all relevant information about the expedition.

They urge non-governmental expeditions to carry adequate insurance cover against the risk of their incurring financial charges or material losses in the Antarctic Treaty Area.

III

TOUR GUIDES

To the extent practicable, they encourage commercial tour operators to carry tour guides with experience of Antarctic conditions, who are aware of the considerations which underlie the Agreed Measures for the Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora and for the protection of the Antarctic environment.

IV

COMMERCIAL OVERFLIGHTS IN ANTARCTICA

They notify commercial aircraft operators that the present level of tourist overflight activity:

(i) exceeds existing capabilities for air traffic control, communications and search and rescue in the Antarctic;

(ii) may interfere with normal operational flights in support of expeditions engaged in ongoing scientific programs in the Antarctic;

(iii) exceeds the capacity of their Antarctic operations to respond adequately to an unplanned emergency landing.

STATEMENT OF ACCEPTED PRINCIPLES AND THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS OF THE ANTARCTIC TREATY

Introduction

The following statement is intended for the guidance of all those who visit the Antarctic.

The Antarctic Treaty was negotiated in Washington in 1959 by the states which had established scientific stations in the Antarctic during the International Geophysical Year (1957-58) in order to perpetuate the close scientific cooperation which had marked that period. It provides, inter alia, that the Antarctic shall be used for peaceful purposes only and that any measures of a military nature shall be prohibited; that there shall be freedom of scientific investigation and that the results of such investigation shall be made freely available; that any nuclear explosions and the disposal of radioactive waste material in the Antarctic is prohibited; that notification of an expedition to the Antarctic shall be provided in advance; and that each of the Antarctic Treaty Contracting Parties shall exert appropriate efforts to the end that no one engages in any activity in the Antarctic contrary to the principles or purposes of the Antarctic Treaty.

Recommendations of Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings

The Treaty requires that meetings shall be held from time to time to consider and recommend measures in furtherance of its principles and objectives. Amongst these are measures of which all those who enter the Antarctic Treaty Area, both those sponsored by Governments and those not so sponsored, should be aware. The following notes indicate the nature of these measures and the reader is referred to the Recommendations of successive Consultative Meetings for the details.

Protection of the Antarctic Environment

The ecosystem of the Antarctic Treaty Area is particularly vulnerable to human interference and the Antarctic derives much of its importance from its uncontaminated and undisturbed condition and the effects it has on adjacent areas and the global environment. For these reasons the Consultative Parties recognise their special responsibility for the protection of the environment and the wise use of the Treaty Area.

Conservation of Wildlife

Animals in the Antarctic are in almost all cases tame and are therefore peculiarly vulnerable. Both animals and plants are living under extreme conditions and great care has to be taken to avoid upsetting the natural ecological system. They are protected by the following five mechanisms under the Agreed Measures for the Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora:

(i) Protection of Native Fauna The killing, wounding, capturing or molesting of any native mammal or native bird is prohibited except in an emergency or in accordance with a permit issued under the authority of a Participating Government. Any attempt to do any of these things is also prohibited under the same conditions.

(ii) Harmful Interference Every effort shall be made to minimize harmful interference with the normal living conditions of any native mammal or bird.

(iii) Specially Protected Species Two species of seal, Fur Seals and the Ross Seal have been designated as Specially Protected Species and permits may only be issued in relation to these species in accordance with certain restrictive criteria.

(iv) Specially Protected Areas Certain areas of outstanding scientific interest have been designated as Specially Protected Areas in order to preserve their unique natural ecological system (see Annex I). No person may enter such an Area except in accordance with a permit issued under the authority of a Participating Government. Such permits may only be issued in accordance with certain restrictive criteria.

(v) Introduction of Non-Indigenous Species, Parasites and Diseases No species of animal or plant not indigenous to the Antarctic Treaty Area may be brought into the Area except in accordance with a permit issued under the authority of a Participating Government. Special precautions have to be taken to prevent the accidental introduction of parasites and diseases into the Treaty Area.

Pelagic Sealing

The Consultative Parties, having regard to the possibly damaging ecological consequences that might arise from the exploitation of Antarctic seals for commercial purposes, negotiated the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals. This Convention entered into force on 11 March 1978. Waste Disposal

In addition to the measures for the conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora outlined above, the Consultative Parties have prepared a Code of Conduct for Antarctic Expeditions and Station Activities including, inter alia, recommended procedures for waste disposal (see Annex II).

Protection of Historic Monuments

Every effort should be made to prevent damage or destruction to any historic monuments. The Consultative Parties have listed a number of such monuments for special protection (see Annex III).

Facilitation of Scientific Research: Sites of Special Scientific Interest

There are many scientific investigations being carried out in the Antarctic which could suffer from accidental interference. For example, long term studies of the population dynamics of a penguin colony may require that visitors be kept to an absolute minimum. Intensive scientific work in one area may require that a nearby ecologically similar area be kept undisturbed and uncontaminated for reference purposes. Again, certain electromagnetically ‘quiet’ areas, where sensitive instruments have been installed for recording minute signals associated with upper atmosphere studies, may require that visits to the site should be kept to a minimum.

For these and similar reasons the Consultative Parties have designated certain Sites of Special Scientific Interest in the Antarctic (see Annex IV). Each Site is subject to a management plan designed to protect the particular scientific investigations being undertaken. Persons wishing to visit Sites of Special Scientific Interest should, well in advance, consult the national office responsible for the administration of a permanent Antarctic scientific expedition or, if this is not possible, should consult the station commander of the scientific station nearest the site which it is intended to visit.

Tourism and Non-Governmental Expeditions to the Antarctic Treaty Area

An important feature of the Antarctic Treaty is that cooperation under it is facilitated by the prior exchange of information about planned activities. The Treaty commitment covers any expedition organised in or proceeding to the Antarctic from any state which is a Contracting Party to the Antarctic Treaty. A consolidated list of the information to be exchanged is attached at Annex V. It is a traditional principle that expeditions render all assistance feasible in the event of an emergency. There is in the Antarctic a number of unoccupied huts and refuges which may be used by any expedition in an emergency, in which case the authorities who maintain the hut or refuge should be informed of what use has been made of it.

Special Measures Relating to Tourist and Non-Governmental Expeditions

The number of non-governmental expeditions to the Antarctic is steadily increasing and there is a tendency for these expeditions to concentrate on the more easily accessible parts of the Antarctic. Frequent visits to scientific stations or undue dependence on the facilities of such stations can prejudice their scientific work. It is therefore required that the organizers of a tourist or non-governmental expedition should furnish notice as soon as possible, through diplomatic channels, to any other Government whose station the expedition plans to visit. Any such Government may refuse to accept a visit to a station which it maintains or may lay down conditions upon which it would grant permission including inter alia, that:

(i) reasonable assurance be given of compliance with the provisions of the Antarctic Treaty, measures adopted under it and the conditions applicable at stations to be visited;

(ii) tour organizers should ensure that prior to the commencement of the tour or expedition, procedures and systems for adequate telecommunications have been confirmed with the offices administering the Antarctic stations to be visited;

(iii) final arrangements to visit any station be made with that station between twenty-four and seventy-two hours in advance of the expected time of arrival;

(iv) all tourists and other visitors comply with any conditions or restrictions on their movements which the station commander may stipulate for their safety or to safeguard scientific programmes being undertaken at or near the station;

(v) visitors must not enter Specially Protected Areas and must respect designated historic monuments;

(vi) tour organizers should report to the Governments whose stations they have visited, after completion of the tour, the name and nationality of the ship, the name of the captain, the itinerary of each separate cruise, the number of tourists accompanying each cruise and the places and dates at which landings were made in the Antarctic Treaty Area, with the number of persons landed on each occasion.

LIST OF ANNEXES

ANNEX I

Specially Protected Areas. (Annex B to Recommendation III-8.)

ANNEX II

Extract From the Code of Conduct for Antarctic Expeditions and Station Activities Relating to Waste Disposal. (Annex to Recommendation VIII-11.)

ANNEX III

List of Historic Monuments. (Annex to Recommendation VII-9.)

ANNEX IV

Sites of Special Scientific Interest. (Management Plans annexed to Recommendation VIII-4.)

ANNEX V

Standard Format for the Annual Exchanges of Information. (Annex to Recommendation VIII-6.)

GUIDANCE FOR VISITORS TO THE ANTARCTIC

Antarctica and its surrounding islands are one of the few places in the world which are still relatively unchanged by man's activities. Scientists still know very little about the ecological situation in the Antarctic. At the present early stage in research on these matters, some restrictions and precautions may seem unnecessarily harsh, but preliminary studies indicate the need for great caution.

By following a few very simple requests, you can help preserve the unique environment of this region.

1. Avoid disturbing wildlife, in particular do not: - walk on vegetation; - touch or handle birds or seals; - startle or chase any bird from its nest; - wander indiscriminately through penguin or other bird colonies.

2. Litter of all types must be kept to a minimum. Retain all litter (film wrappers, tissue, food scraps, tins, lotion bottles, etc.) in a bag or pocket to be disposed of on board your ship. Avoid throwing tin cans and other trash off the ship near land.

3. Do not use sporting guns.

4. Do not introduce plants or animals into the Antarctic.

5. Do not collect eggs or fossils.

6. Do not enter any of the Specially Protected Areas and avoid Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

7. In the vicinity of scientific stations avoid interference with scientific work and do not enter unoccupied buildings or refuges except in an emergency.

8. Do not paint names or graffiti on rocks or buildings.

9. Take care of Antarctic historic monuments.

10. When ashore, keep together with your party.

 

 

Annex I

SPECIALLY PROTECTED AREA No 1

Taylor Rookery, Mac Robertson Land

Lat 67º 26' S, long 60º 50' E

DESCRIPTION: The area consists of the whole of the northernmost rock exposure on the eastern side of Taylor Glacier. The area is shown on the attached map.

Created by Recommendation IV-1 on the grounds that Taylor Rookery contains a colony of Emperor Penguins (Aptenodytes forsteri) which is one of the few, and probably the largest, of the known colonies of this species located wholly on land.

 

 

SPECIALLY PROTECTED AREA No 2

Rookery Islands, Holme Bay

Lat 67º 37' S, long 62º 33' E.

DESCRIPTION: The area, 7 nautical miles west of Mawson, comprises the islands and rocks lying within the rectangle marked on the attached map.

Created by Recommendation IV-2 on the grounds that Rookery Islands contain breeding colonies of six bird species resident in the Mawson Area, two of which, the Giant Petrel (Macronetec giganteu) and the Cape Pigeon  (Daption capensis), occur nowhere else in the region and that it is of scientific importance to safeguard this unusual association of six species and to preserve a sample of their habitat.

 

SPECIALLY PROTECTED AREA No 3

Ardery Island and Odbert Island, Budd Coast

Lat 66º 22' S, long 110º 28' E and lat 66º 22' S, long110º 33' E

DESCRIPTION: The area consists of Ardery Island and Odbert Island which lie off-shore in Vincennes Bay, 7 nautical miles south of Wilkes. The off-lying rocks are not included in the area. The area is shown on the attached map.

Created by Recommendation IV-3 on the grounds that Ardery Island and Odbert Island off the Budd Coast support several breeding species of petrel and provide a sample of their habitat and that two of these species, Antarctic Petrel (Thalassoica antarctica) and Antarctic Fulmer (Fulmarus glacialoides), are of particular scientific interest.

 

SPECIALLY PROTECTED AREA No 4

Sabrina Island, Balleny Islands

Lat 66º 54' S, long 163º 20' E

DESCRIPTION: A small island some 2 kilometers south of Buckle Island in the Balleny Islands. The area is shown on the attached map.

Created by Recommendation IV-4 on the grounds that the Balleny Islands, as the most northerly Antarctic land in the Ross Sea region, support fauna and flora which reflect many circumpolar distributions at this latitude and that Sabrina Island in particular provides a representative sample of such fauna and flora.

 

 

SPECIALLY PROTECTED AREA No 5

Beaufort Island, Ross Sea

Lat 76º 58' S, long 167º 03' E

DESCRIPTION: Beaufort Island measures 6 kilometers by 3 kilometers and is located 20 nautical miles north of Ross Island. The area is shown on the attached map.

Created by Recommendation IV-5 on the grounds that Beaufort Island contains substantial and varied avifauna, that it is one of the most important breeding grounds in the region, and that it should be protected to preserve the natural ecological system as a reference area.

NOTE: Specially Protected Area No 6 was created by Recommendation IV-6 and terminated by VIII-12. Cape Crozier is now Site of Special Scientific Interest No 4 by virtue of VIII-4.

 

 

SPECIALLY PROTECTED AREA No 7

Cape Hallett, Victoria Land

Lat 72º 18' S, long 170º 19' E

DESCRIPTION: The area between the eastern side of the road, which runs along the eastern side of Willett Cove, and the western margin of the permanent ice sheet, to the south of a line from the road to the margin of the permanent ice sheet at the latitude of the head of Willett Cove, and the north of a line from the road to the margin of the permanent ice sheet drawn 350 metres to the south of that latitude and parallel to it. The area is shown on the attached map.

Created by Recommendation IV-7 on the grounds that Cape Hallett includes a small patch of particularly rich and diverse vegetation which supports a variety of terrestrial fauna and that the ecosystem, which includes a rich avifauna, is of outstanding scientific interest.

 

SPECIALLY PROTECTED AREA No 8

Dion Islands, Marguerite Bay, Antarctic Peninsula

Lat 67º 52' S, long 68º 43' W

DESCRIPTION: A group of small, rocky, low-lying islands in Marguerite Bay, about 15 kilometres south of Adelaide Island. The area is shown on the attached map.

Created by Recommendation IV-8 on the grounds that amongst the Dion Islands is found the only colony of Emperor Penguins (Aptenodytes forsteri) known to exist on the west side of the Antarctic Peninsula and that the isolation of this colony from others of the same species makes it of outstanding scientific interest.

 

SPECIALLY PROTECTED AREA No 9

Green Island, Berthelot Islands, Antarctic Peninsula

Lat 65º 19' S, long 64º 10' W

DESCRIPTION: A small island, measuring about 600 metres by 400 metres, situated 150 metres to the north of the largest of the Berthlot Islands. The area is shown on the attached map.

Created by Recommendation IV-9 on the grounds that the vegetation on Green Island is exceptionally rich, that it is probably the most luxuriant anywhere on the west side of the Antarctic Peninsula, that in some places the humus is 2 metres thick and that this area, being of outstanding scientific interest, should be protected because it is probably one of the most diverse Antarctic ecosystems.

NOTE: Specially Protected Area No 10 was created by Recommendation IV-10 and terminated by VIII-12/2.2. Byers Peninsula is now Site of Special Scientific Interest No 6 by virtue of VIII-4/3.1.

 

SPECIALLY PROTECTED AREA No 11

Cape Shirreff, Livingston Island, South Shetland islands

Lat 62º 28' S, long 60º 48' W

DESCRIPTION: The ice-free peninsula lying to the north of the northern margin of the permanent ice sheet on Livingston Island, between Barclay Bay and Hero Bay. The area is shown on the attached map.

Created by Recommendation IV-11 on the grounds that Cape Shirreff supports a considerable diversity of plant and animal life, including many invertebrates, that a substantial population of Elephant Seals (Mirounga leonina) and small colonies of Fur Seals (Arctocephalus sp) are found on the beaches and that the area is of outstanding scientific interest.

NOTE: Specially Protected Area No12 was created by Recommendation IV-12, modified by Recommendation V-5 and terminated by VIII-2/2.2. Fildes Peninsula is now Site of Scientific Interest No 5 by virtue of VIII-4/3.1.

 

SPECIALLY PROTECTED AREA No 13

Moe Island, South Orkney Islands

Lat 60°  45' S, long 45° 41' W

DESCRIPTION: A small island, about 1 kilometre across, lying about 500  metres south-west of Signy Island, South Orkney Islands. The off-lying rocks are not included in the area. The area is shown on the attached map.

Created by Recommendation IV-13 on the grounds that Moe Island provides a representative sample of the maritime Antarctic ecosystem, that intensive experimental research on the neighboring Signy Island may alter its ecosystem and that Moe Island should be specially protected as a control area for future comparison.

 

SPECIALLY PROTECTED AREA No 14

Lynch Island, South Orkney Islands

Lat 60°  40' S, long 45°  38' W

DESCRIPTION: A small island, measuring about 500 metres by 300 metres, in Marshall Bay, off the south coast of Coronation Island, South Orkney Islands. The area is shown on the attached map.

 

Created by Recommendation IV-14 on the grounds that Lynch Island supports one of the most extensive and dense areas of grass (Deschampsia antarctica) known in the Treaty Area and that it provides an outstanding example of a rare natural ecological system.

 

SPECIALLY PROTECTED AREA No 15

Southern Powell Island and adjacent islands, South Orkney Islands

Lat 60°  45' S, long 45°  02' W

DESCRIPTION: This area in the central South Orkney Islands includes that part of Powell Island which is south of the latitude of the southern summit of John Peaks, together with the whole of Fredriksen Island, Michelsen Island, Christoffersen Island, Grey Island and the unnamed islands lying within the rectangle marked on the attached map.

Created by Recommendation IV-15 on the grounds that southern Powell Island and the adjacent islands support substantial vegetation and a considerable bird and mammal fauna, which is representative of the natural ecology of the South Orkney Islands, and which is rendered more important by the presence of the nucleus of an expanding colony of Fur Seals (Arctocephalus tropicalis gazella).

 

SPECIALLY PROTECTED AREA No 16

COPPERMINE PENINSULA, ROBERT ISLAND

Lat. 62°  23' S., Long. 59°  42' W

DESCRIPTION: The area comprises all the land west of a line drawn from north to south across the Peninsula. 100 metres west of the two shelters found on the isthmus. The area is shown on the attached map.

Created by Recommendation VI-10 on the grounds that Coppermine Peninsula is a biologicaly diverse area, supporting rich vegetation, together with a variety of terrestrial fauna, and that the ecosystem, which includes a rich avifauna, is of outstanding scientific interest.

 

SPECIALLY PROTECTED AREA No17

Litchfield Island, Arthur Harbor, Palmer Archipelago

Lat 66°  16' S, Long. 64°  06' W

DESCRIPTION: A small island, about 2.5km2 in area. The Area is shown on the attached map.

Created by Recommendation VIII-1 on the grounds that Litchfield Island, together with it littoral, possesses an unusually rich collection of marine and terrestrial life, is unique amongst the neighboring islands as a breeding place for six species of native birds and provides an outstanding example of the natural ecological system of the Antarctic Peninsula area.

Annex II Code of Conduct for Antarctic Expeditions and Station Activities

Waste disposal

The following are recommended procedures:

(a) Solid Waste

(i) Non-combustible, including chemicals (except batteries); These materials may be disposed of at sea either in deep water or, if this is not possible, at specified sites in shallow water.

(ii) Batteries should be removed from the Antarctic Treaty Area.

(iii) Combustibles

Wood, wood products and paper should be incinerated, the ash being disposed of at sea.

Lubricating oils may be burnt except those containing harmful additives which should be removed from the Antarctic Treaty Area.

Carcasses and materials associated with imported experimental animals should be incinerated.

All plastics and rubber products should be removed from the Antarctic Treaty Area.

(b) Liquid Waste

(i) Human waste, garbage and laundry effluents should, where possible, be macerated and be flushed into the sea.

(ii) Large quantities of photographic liquids should be treated for the recovery of silver and the residue should be flushed into the sea.

(c) The above procedures ere recommended for coastal stations. Field sites supported from coastal stations should, where feasible, use the facilities of their supporting station. Inland stations should concentrate all waste in deep pits. Except as stated for inland stations, waste should not be buried.

(d) Waste containing radio-isotopes should be removed from the Antarctic Treaty Area.

(e) Every effort should be made to reduce the plastic packaging of products imported into the Antarctic Treaty Area.

(f) If possible the use of leaded fuels or fuels containing ethylene bromide and ethylene chloride should be avoided.

(g) When incinerators are used it is desirable to monitor the effluents.

Annex III List of Historic Monuments Identified and Described By the Proposing Government or GovernmentsThe Consultative Meeting does not approve or disapprove the place names appearing in the texts of this List in the different languages.>

1. Flag mast erected in December 1965 at the South Geographical Pole by the First Argentine Overland Polar Expedition.

2. Rock cairn and plaques at Syowa Station (Lat. 69° 00° S., Long. 39° 35° E.) in memory of Shin Fukushima, a member of the 4th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition, who died in October 1960 while performing official duties. The cairn was erected on 11 January, 1961, by his colleagues. Some of his ashes repose in the cairn.

3. Rock cairn and plaque on Proclamation Island, Enderby Land, erected in January 1930 by Sir Douglas Mawson. (Lat. 65° 51° S., Long. 53° 41° E.) The cairn and plaque commemorate the landing on Proclamation Island of Sir Douglas Mawson with a party from the British, Australian and New Zealand Antarctic Research Expedition of 1929-31. 4. Station building to which a bust of V.I. Lenin is fixed, together with a plaque in memory of the conquest of the Pole of Inaccessibility by Soviet Antarctic explorers in 1958. (Lat. 83° 06° S., Long. 54° 58° E.)

5. Rock cairn and plaque at Cape Bruce, Mac. Robertson Land, erected in February 1931 by Sir Douglas Mawson. (Lat. 67° 25° S., Long. 60° 47° E.) The cairn and plaque commemorate the landing on Cape Bruce of Sir Douglas Mawson with a party from the British, Australian and New Zealand Antarctic Research Expedition of 1929-31. 6. Rock cairn at Walkabout Rocks, Vestfold Hills, Princess Elizabeth Land, erected in 1939 by Sir Hubert Wilkins. (Lat. 68° 22° S., Long. 78° 33° E.) The cairn houses a canister containing a record of his visit.

7. Stone with inscribed plaque, erected at Mirny Observatory, Mabus Point, in memory of driver-mechanic Ivan Khmara who perished on fast ice in the performance of official duties in 1956. (Lat. 66° 33° S., Long. 93° 01° E.)

8. Metal monument-sledge at Mirny Observatory, Mabus Point, with plaque in memory of driver-mechanic Anatoly Shcheglov who perished in the performance of official duties. (Lat. 66° 33° S., Long. 93° 01° E.)

9. Cemetery on Buromskiy Island, near Mirny Observatory, in which are buried Soviet, Czechoslovakian and GDR citizens, members of Soviet Antarctic Expeditions, who perished in the performance of official duties on 3 August, 1960. (Lat. 66° 32° S., Long. 93° 01° E.)

10. Building (magnetic observatory) at Dobrowolsky Station, Bunger Hills, with plaque in memory of the opening of Oasis Station in 1956. (Lat. 66° 16° S. Long. 100° 45° E.)

11. Heavy tractor at Vostok Station with plaque in memory of the opening of the Station in 1957. (Lat. 78° 28° S., Long. 106° 48° E.)

12. Cross and plaque at Cape Denison, George V Land, erected in 1913 by Sir Douglas Mawson on a hill situated 300 metres west by south from the main hut of the Australasian Antarctic Expedition of 1911-14. (Lat. 67° 00° S., Long. 142° 42° E.) The cross and plaque commemorate Lieutenant B.E. S. Ninnis and Dr. X. Mertz, members of the expedition, who died in 1913 while engaged in the work of the expedition.

13. Hut at Cape Denison, George V Land, built in January 1912 by Sir Douglas Mawson for the Australasian Antarctic Expedition of 1911-14. (Lat. 67° 00° S., Long 142° 42° E.) This was the main base of the expedition.

14. Remains of rock shelter at Inexpressible Island, Terra Nova Bay, constructed in March 1912 by Victor Campbell's Northern Party, British Antarctic Expedition, 1910-13. (Lat. 74° 54° S., Long. 163° 43° E.) The party spent the winter of 1912 in this shelter and a nearby ice cave.

15. Hut at Cape Royds, Ross Island, built in February 1908 by Ernest Shackleton. (Lat. 77° 38° S., Long. 166° 07° E.) Restored in January 1961 by Antarctic Division of New Zealand Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.

16. Hut at Cape Evans, Ross Island, built in January 1911 by Captain Robert Falcon Scott. (Lat. 77° 38° S., Long. 166° 24° E.) Restored in January 1961 by Antarctic Division of New Zealand Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.

17. Cross on Wind Vane Hill, Cape Evans, Ross Island, erected by the Ross Sea Party of Ernest Shackleton's Trans-Antarctic Expedition, 1914-16, in memory of three members of the party who died in the vicinity in 1916. (Lat. 77° 38° S., Long. 166° 24° E.)

18. Hut at Hut Point, Ross Island, built in February 1902 by Captain Robert Falcon Scott (Lat. 77° 51° S., Long. 166° 37° E.) Partially restored in January 1964 by the New Zealand Antarctic Society, with assistance from the United States Government.

19. Cross at Hut Point, Ross Island, erected in February 1904 by the British Antarctic Expedition, 1901-04, in memory of T. Vince, a member of that expedition who died in the vicinity. (Lat. 77° 51° S., Long. 166° 37° E.)

20. Cross on Observation Hill, Ross Island, erected in January 1913 by the British Antarctic Expedition, 1910-13, in memory of Captain Robert Falcon Scott's party which perished on the return journey from the South Pole, March 1912. (Lat. 77° 51° S., Long. 166° 40° E.)

21. Stone hut at Cape Crozier, Ross Island, constructed in July 1911 by Edward Wilson' s party (British Antarctic Expedition, 1910-13) during the winter journey to collect Emperor penguin eggs. (Lat 77° 32° S., Long. 169° 18° E.)

22. Hut at Cape Adare built in February 1899 during ‘Southern Cross’ Expedition led by C.E. Borchgrevink. (Lat. 71° 17° S., Long. 170° 15° E.) There are three huts at Cape Adare: two date from Borchgrevink's expedition, and one from Scott's Northern Party, 1910-11. Only the southernmost Borchgrevink hut survives in a reasonable state of repair.

23. Grave at Cape Adare of Norwegian biologist, Nicolai Hanson, a member of C.E. Borchgrevink's ‘Southern Cross’ Expedition, 1899-1900. (Lat. 71° S., Long 170° 15° E.) This is the first known grave in the Antarctic.

24. Rock cairn, known as ‘Amundsen's Cairn’, on Mount Betty Queen Maud Range (Lat. 85° 11° S., Long. 163° 45° W.) erected by Roald Amundsen on 6 January 1912, on his way back to ‘Framheim’ from the South Pole.

25. Hut and plaque on Peter I y, built by the Norwegian Captain Nils Larsen in February 1929 at Framnaesodden (Lat. 68° 47° S., Long. 90° 42° W.) The plaque is inscribed ‘Norvegia-ckspedisjonen 2/2 1929’.

26. Abandoned installations of Argentine Station ‘General San Martin’ on Barry Island, Debenham Islands, Marguerite Bay, with cross, flag mast, and monolith built in 1951. (Lat. 68° 08° S., Long. 67° 08° W.)

27. Cairn with plaque on Megalestris Hill, Petermann Island, erected in 1909 by the second French expedition led by J.-B. Charcot. (Lat. 65° 10° S., Long. 64° 10° W.) Restored by the British Antarctic Survey in 1958. 28. Rock Cairn at Port Charcot, Booth Island, with wooden pillar and plaque inscribed with the names of the first French expedition led by J.-B. Charcot which wintered here in 1904 aboard ‘Le Francais’. (Lat. 65° 03° S., Long. 64° 01° W.)

29. Lighthouse named ‘Primero de Mayo’ erected on Lambda Island, Melchoir Islands, by Argentina in 1942. (Lat. 64° 18° S., Long. 62° 59° W.) This was the first Argentine lighthouse in the Antarctic.

30. Shelter at Paradise Harbour erected in 1950 near the Chilean Base ‘Gabriel Gonzales Videla’ to honour Gabriel Gonzales Videla, the first Head of State to visit the Antarctic. (Lat. 64° 49° S., Long. 62° 51° W.)

31. Memorial plaque marking the position of a cemetery on Deception Island (Lat. 62° 59° S., Long. 60° 34° W.) where some 40 Norwegian whalers were buried in the first half of the twentieth century. The cemetery was swept away by a volcanic eruption in February 1969. 32. Concrete monolith erected in 1947, near Arturo Prat Base on Greenwich Island. Point of reference for Chilean Antarctic hydrographic work. (Lat. 62° 29° S., Long. 59° 40° W.)

33. Shelter and cross with plaque near Arturo Prat Base, Greenwich Island. (Lat. 62° 30° S., Long. 59° 41° W.) Named in memory of Lieutenant-Commander Gonzalez Pacheco, who died tragically while in charge of the station in 1960. 34. Bust of the Chilean naval hero Arturo Prat erected in 1947 at the base of the same name on Greenwich Island. (Lat. 62° 30° S., Long 59° 41° W.)

35. Wooden cross and statue of the Virgin of Carmen erected in 1947 near Arturo Prat Base on Greenwich Island. (Lat. 62° 30° S., Long. 59° 41° W.) There is also nearby a metal plaque of Lions International Club.

36. Metal plaque at Potter Cove, King George Island, erected by Eduard Dallmann to commemorate the visit of his German expedition on 1 March, 1874. (Lat 62° 13° S., Long. 58° 42° W.)

37. Statue of Bernardo O'Higgins, erected in 1948 in front of the station of the same name. (Lat. 63° 19° S., Long. 57° 54° W.) To honour the first ruler of Chile to envision the importance of Antarctica.

38. Hut on Snow Hill Island built in February 1902 by the main party of the Swedish South Polar Expedition, led by Otto Nordenskjold. (Lat. 64° 24° S., Long. 57° 00° W.)

39. Stone hut at Hope Bay built in January 1903 by a party of the Swedish South Polar Expedition. (Lat. 63° 24° S., Long. 56° 59° W.)

40. Bust of General San Martin, grotto with a statue of the Virgin of Lujan, and a flag mast at Base ‘Esperanza’, Hope Bay, erected by Argentina in 1955; together with a graveyard with stele in memory of members of Argentine expeditions who died in the area. (Lat. 63° 24° S., Long 56° 59° W)

41. Stone hut on Paulet Island built in February 1903 by C.A. Larsen, Norwegian captain of the wrecked vessel ‘Antarctic’ of the Swedish South Polar Expedition led by Otto Nordenskjold, together with the grave of a member of that expedition. (Lat. 63° 35° S., Long. 55° 47° W.)

42. Area at Scotia Bay, Laurie Island, South Orkney Islands, in which are found: stone hut built in 1903 by the Scottish Expedition led by W.S. Bruce; the Argentine Meteorological and Magnetic Observatory, built in 1905; and a graveyard with seven tombs (dating from 1903). (Lat. 60° 46° S., Long. 44° 40° W.)

43. Cross erected in 1955, at a distance of 1,300 metres north-east of the Argentine Base ‘General Belgrano’ at Piedrabuena Bay, Filchner Ice Shelf. (Lat. 77° 49° S., Long. 38° 02° W.)

Annex IV Sites of Special Scientific Interest

Site of Special Scientific Interest No. 1 Cape Royds, Ross Island

Management Plan

(i) Description of Site

All that area of Cape Royds west of a line drawn from the south coast of the Cape through Flagstaff Hill to the south eastern tip of Pony Lake, and the west shoreline of this lake; and south of a line drawn from the western extremity of Pony Lake 280° True to the coast. The boundaries, which are demarcated, are shown on the attached map.

(ii) Reasons for designation

This area supports the most southerly Adlie Penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) colony known, the survival of which is marginal. The population declined rapidly from 1956 following interference by man until 1963 when United States and New Zealand authorities agreed to restrict activities and develop a management plan for the area. It is considered important to continue study of this colony under controlled conditions, at least until the penguin population has recovered to its estimated normal pre-1956 (pre-man) level.

(iii) Outline of research

A long-term study of the population dynamics began in 1969 and is expected to continue.

(iv) Date of expiry of designation

30 June 1981. (v) Access points

The Site should not be entered during the period of penguin occupation (approximately mid-October to March) except by the marked tracks. Only scientists engaged in the population studies should enter the Site during this period. Visitors to Cape Royds should not enter the Site. Photographs of the colony, except for scientific purposes, should be taken from the boundaries of the Site.

(vi) Pedestrian and vehicular routes

Vehicles should not enter the Site. Pedestrians should keep to the marked tracks and not move through the populated areas, except as necessary in the course of scientific investigations. Helicopters and low-flying aircraft should avoid the penguin colony in accordance with the Agreed Measures for the Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora.

(vii) Other kinds of scientific investigations which would not cause harmful interference

Other kinds of scientific investigations should not be undertaken while penguins occupy the Site.

(viii) Scientific sampling

Taking samples of the bird population by killing, capture, or taking of eggs should be done only for a compelling scientific purpose and in accordance with the Agreed Measures for the Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora.

(ix) Other restraints

The following activities should be avoided:

1. Landscaping and removing surface material;

2. Construction of huts or buildings;

3. The depositing of any pieces of equipment or material that would in any way hinder re-occupation of nests by penguins.

 

 

Site of Special Scientific Interest No. 2 Arrival Heights, Hut Points Peninsula, Ross Island

Management Plan

(i) Description of Site

All that area of Arrival Heights enclosed within a line drawn from Trig T510 north-west over First crater to the 500 foot contour, then north along this contour to a point immediately west of Second Crater, then around the lip of this crater and south to Trig T510. The boundary, which is demarcated, is shown on the attached map.

(ii) Reason for designation

This area is an electromagnetically and natural ‘quiet site’ offering ideal conditions for the installation of sensitive instruments for recording minute signals associated with upper atmosphere programmes.

(iii) Outline of research

Upper atmosphere investigations associated with auroral and geomagnetic studies.

(iv) Date of expiry of designation

30 June 1981. (v) Access points

None are defined but movement within the area by vehicles or personnel other than those directly concerned with the investigations should be kept to the minimum necessary for implementing the programme.

(vi) Pedestrian and vehicular routes

Vehicles and pedestrians should keep to the tracks shown on the attached map.

(vii) Other kinds of scientific investigations which would not cause harmful interference

Scientific investigations other than those associated with the upper atmosphere programme should be kept to a minimum.

(viii) Scientific sampling

Not applicable.

(ix) Other restraints

No R. F. transmitting equipment other than low power transceivers for local essential communication may be installed within this Site. Every precaution should be taken to ensure that electrical equipment is adequately suppressed and correctly installed to keep man-made electrical noise to an absolute minimum.

 

 

Site of Special Scientific Interest No. 3 Barwick Valley, Victoria Land

Management Plan

(i) Description of Site

The Site includes the greater part of Barwick Valley, Victoria Land, and contains parts of several glaciers, exposed soils, a lake about 3 km wide and 16 km long and a connecting stream about 5 km long leading to Lake Vashka. It is bordered on the south, west and north by the Olympus, Willett, and Clare Ranges respectively. The boundary of the Site approximates to an irregular pentagon enclosing about 325 km2. The Site is defined by lines joining Skew Peak (77° 13° S, 160° 43° E), Sponsors Peak (77° 18° S,° 161 24° E), a point on the Insel Range (77° 24° S , 161° 26° E), a point in the Apocalypse Peaks (77° 24° S, 160° 46° E), Mount Bastion (77° 19° S, 160° 34° E) and Skew Peak. The boundaries are shown on the attached map.

(ii) Reason for Designation

Barwick Valley is one of the least disturbed and contaminated of the Dry Valleys of Victoria Land, which are environmentally unique and possess extreme polar desert ecosystems. The Site is important as a reference base against which to measure changes in comparable ecosystems of the other Dry Valleys where a considerable variety of scientific investigations have been conducted regularly over the past decade. It is also expected to be of use in connection with global environmental monitoring.

(iii) Outline of research

Investigations are proposed of the microbiology, bacteriology, mycology (especially of yeasts and moulds), and of the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, with special programmes to establish baseline measurements for biological and environmental monitoring.

(iv) Date of expiry of designation

30 June 1981. (v) Access points

Access should be by helicopter to Wright Valley, thence into the Barwick Valley Site on foot past Lake Vashka.

(vi) Pedestrian and vehicular routes

Vehicles should not be used. Pedestrian routes should keep to well-drained ground avoiding streams and the lake margins as much as possible.

(vii) Other kinds of scientific investigations which would not cause harmful interference

Geological, pedological, and glaciological studies except those which would introduce exotic species and those which would disrupt or damage the existing ecosystems.

(viii) Scientific sampling

Scientific sampling in the Site should be restricted to that which can be accomplished without introducing new organisms, including microorganisms, and without disturbing the environment.

(ix) Other restraints

Overflight of the Site should be avoided. Aircraft landing and vehicle parking should be kept well outside the boundaries of the Site. Field activities should be kept to a minimum. Permanent field camps, landfill disposal, and other activities which would introduce new materials or organisms, including micro-organisms, into the Site should be avoided. All materials carried into the Site should be removed.

 

 

Site of Special Scientific Interest No. 4 Cape Crozier, Ross Island

Management Plan

(i) Description of Site

The Site comprises 40 km2 and includes the land areas where the Adlie Penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) nest and the adjacent fast ice where the Emperor Penguins (Aptenodytes forsteri) annually breed. It is bounded by lines joining 77° 28° S, 169° 20° E, 77° 28° S, 169° 28° E, 77° 31° S, 169° 28° E, 77° 31° S, 169° 20° E; and also includes the land area lying north of a line from 169° 20° E, 77° 28° S to the summit of Post Office Hill and north-east of a line which bears 315° True from the summit of Post Office Hill to the coast. The boundaries of the Site, the access track and road, the helicopter landing place and refuge hut are indicated on the attached map.

(ii) Reason for designation

The penguin colonies are the subject of long-term studies of population dynamics and social behaviour, and are relatively accessible by air from McMurdo Station and Scott Base. Access to the Site should be restricted to scientists engaged in investigations within the Site.

(iii) Outline of research

Studies of the Emperor and Adlie Penguin populations and their ethology, life cycles, physiological adaptation and natural population fluctuations. Detection of possible changes in their biological characteristics which may be due to man-induced changes in the environment.

(iv) Date of expiry of designation

30 June 1981. (v) Access points

Access should be at points on the boundary closest to the refuge hut and the helicopter landing place.

(vi) Pedestrian and vehicular routes

Helicopters and low-flying aircraft should avoid the Site. Vehicles should not enter the Site and should approach the Site boundary, when serving authorised activities, on courses at right angles to the boundary orientation. Pedestrian movement within the Site should be limited to the shortest routes consistent with the scientific activity.

(vii) Other kinds of scientific investigations which would not cause harmful interference

Biological, pedological, and geological observations except those which would cause harm to the birds or interfere with the breeding success of the penguin colonies. As far as possible such studies should be made at times when the Adlie Penguin colony is absent or when the Emperor Penguin colony is at least 1 km from the locality under scientific consideration.

(viii) Scientific sampling

Taking samples of the bird populations by killing, capture, or taking of eggs should be done only for a compelling scientific purpose and in accordance with the Agreed Measures for the Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora. Close inspection of birds, including photography, or taking blood or other biological samples should be kept to a minimum.

 

 

Site of Special Scientific Interest No. 5 Fildes Peninsula, King George Island, South Shetland Islands

Management Plan

(i) Description of Site

The two areas on Fildes Peninsula shown on the attached map will be demarcated.

(ii) Reason for designation

The unique fossil ichnolites found in these areas are located close to two permanent scientific stations which have been visited frequently by tourist groups. The areas also contain representative sequences of Tertiary strata.

(iii) Outline of research

The main object of the research programme is to describe the Tertiary stratigraphic sequences and to understand the geological evolution of this part of the Antarctic Peninsula.

(iv) Date of expiry of designation

30 June 1981. (v) Access points

None are defined

(vi) Pedestrian and vehicular routes

Vehicles and helicopters should not enter the Site except in an emergency.

(vii) Other kinds of scientific investigations which would not cause harmful interference

Scientific research other than geological should be kept to a minimum.

(viii) Scientific sampling

Samples of rocks should only be taken for compelling scientific purposes.

(ix) Other restraints

Building and other facilities should not be erected in the Site.

 

 

Site of Special Scientific Interest No. 6 Byers Peninsula, Livingston Island South Shetland Islands

Management Plan

(i) Description of Site

The Site comprises three areas of sedimentary and fossiliferous strata on Byers Peninsula. These areas are shown on the attached map.

(ii) Reason for designation

The fossils found in this area provide evidence of the former link between Antarctica and the other Southern Continents. A long-term paleontological research programme is in progress. It is important to protect these Jurassic and Cretaceous rocks from being used as building materials or as souvenirs.

(iii) Outline of research

A long-term research programme was established in 1964. The main objectives are the description of sediments and fossils found in this area.

(iv) Date of expiry of designation.

30 June 1981. (v) Access points

None are defined.

(vi) Pedestrian and vehicular routes

Vehicles should not enter the Site except in an emergency.

(vii) Other kinds of scientific investigations which would not cause harmful interference

Scientific research other than geological should be kept to a minimum.

(viii) Scientific sampling

Samples of rocks or biological specimens should only be taken for compelling scientific purposes.

(ix) Other restraints

Buildings and other facilities should not be erected in the Site.

 

 

Site of Special Scientific Interest No. 7 Haswell Island

Management Plan

(i) Description of Site

The Site consists of Haswell Island (66° 31° S, 93° 00° E), about 1 km2 in area, the largest of a group of islands lying close to Mirny station, together with its littoral zone and the area of fast ice, when present, lying within the delimitation shown on the attached map.

(ii) Reason for designation

The Site is an exceptionally prolific and representative breeding locality for all the species of birds which occur in this part of the Antarctic (five species of petrel (Procellariiformes), one species of skua (Catharacta skua), and one species of penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae)). The Site provides exceptional opportunities for research and needs protection in view of its close proximity to a large Antarctic station.

(iii) Outline of research

A long-term biological programme associated with the bird colonies and studies of the inshore marine biology are expected to continue in the Site.

(iv) Date of expiry of designation

30 June 1981. (v) Access points

The Site may be entered from any direction but access should cause minimum disturbance to the bird colonies.

(vi) Pedestrian and vehicular routes

Vehicles should not enter the Site. Pedestrians should not move through the populated areas except as necessary in the course of scientific investigations. Helicopters and low-flying aircraft should avoid the bird colonies in accordance with the Agreed Measures for the Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora.

(vii) Other kinds of scientific investigations which would not cause harmful interference

Any scientific investigation which will not cause significant disturbance to the biological programmes for which the Site has been designated.

(viii) Scientific sampling

Taking samples of the bird population by killing, capture, or taking of eggs should be done only for a compelling scientific purpose and in accordance with the Agreed Measures for the Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora.

 

 

Annex V Standard Format for the Annual Exchanges of Information

1. Information in as complete a form as possible under the categories listed below is to be exchanged as early as possible but in no case later than 30 November each year.

2. Under Recommendation II-VI any extensions, reductions or other modifications of activities (in the categories marked below with an asterisk (*)) previously reported are to be furnished as soon as possible and in any case prior to 30 June following the season of activity.

3. If a category is not applicable to the activities of a particular country (for example, it has no airfields or does not intend to use research rockets) this fact should be stated.

I.*

The names, types, numbers, descriptions, and armament of ships, aircraft, and other vehicles, introduced, or to be introduced, into the Antarctic Treaty Area, and information on military equipment, if any, and its location in the Area. (List only vehicles used for transport to and from Antarctica. Vehicles at individual stations are described under category VIII below.)

II.*

Dates of expeditions leaving for, and arriving in, the Antarctic Treaty Area, duration of stay, itinerary to and from the Area and routes followed within the Area.

III.*

The names, locations and dates of opening of the Party's bases and subsidiary stations established or planned to be established in the Antarctic Treaty Area, listed according to whether they are for summer and/or winter operations.

IV.*

The names of the officers in charge of each of these bases, subsidiary stations, ships and aircraft; the number, occupations and specialisations of personnel (including any designated by other Governments), who are or will be stationed at each of these bases and subsidiary stations and on board these ships and aircraft, including the number of personnel who are members of the military services, together with the rank of any officers and the names and professional affiliations of personnel engaged in scientific activities:

A.*

Officers in charge of bases.

B.*

Officers in charge of ships.

C.*

Officers in charge of aircraft.

D.*

Number, occupations and specialisations of personnel;

1.*

Summer personnel (listed according to base or ship at which working);

2.*

Winter personnel (listed according to base at which working).

E.*

Number of personnel who are members of the military services together with rank of any officers.

F.*

Names and professional affiliation of personnel engaged in scientific activities (listed according to base or ship at which working. It would be useful to list each person's scientific disciplines as well as his affiliation).

V.*

The number and types of armaments possessed by personnel.

VI.*

The programme of work, including scientific investigation, being done and planned at each of these bases and subsidiary stations and on board those ships and aircraft; and also the area or areas of operation to be covered by such programme (this may be included as an Annex).

VII.*

Principal scientific equipment, which may be listed according to the base at which it is customarily used (this may be included as an Annex).

VIII. Transportation facilities and communication equipment for use within the Antarctic Treaty Area:

A.*

Surface, marine, and air transport vehicles at each base.

B.*

Description of communications facilities using the standard form in accordance with Recommendation VI-2. C.*

Description of airfields in accordance with Recommendation III-I, including particulars of location, operating conditions and limitations, radio aids to navigation, facilities for radio communications and instrument landing (this may be included as an Annex).

IX.*

Facilities for rendering assistance (medical and transport services and shelter available in emergencies).

X.*

Notice of any expeditions to Antarctica not organised by the Party but organised in, calling at, or proceeding from the Party's territory (including tourism in accordance with Recommendations IV-27 and VI-7).

XI.*

Description of unoccupied refuges in accordance with Recommendation III-II, including name, position, description of location, date established, date last examined and estimate of available accommodation, facilities, food, fuel, and supplies of other kinds (this may be included as an Annex).

XII. Annual return of the numbers of each species killed or captured in the Antarctic Treaty Area in accordance with Article XII of the Agreed Measures for the Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora, using the format annexed to Recommendation IV-19 (this may be included as an Annex).

XIII. Notice of the intended use of radio-isotopes in scientific investigations in the Antarctic Treaty Area. (Note: under Recommendation VI-6 this information is to be provided by Consultative Parties as early as possible, preferably six months in advance, but in any case annually.)

XIV. Notice of intended use of scientific research rockets in the Antarctic Treaty Area in accordance with Recommendation VI-12 including inter alia geographical coordinates of the place of launching; the time and date of launching or, alternatively, the approximate period of time during which it is planned to carry out the launchings; the direction of launching; the planned maximum altitude; the planned impact area; the type and other specifications of the rockets to be launched, including possible residual hazards; the purpose and research programme of the rocket.

XV.*

Notice of ships which are carrying out substantial oceanographic research programmes in the Antarctic Treaty Area, in accordance with Recommendation VI-13 including information required under categories I, II, IV, VI, and VII above.

X-9 Twentieth Anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty

The Representatives,

Noting that the Tenth Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting marks the twentieth anniversary of the signature in Washington of the Antarctic Treaty and that the Eleventh Consultative Meeting in Argentina will mark the twentieth anniversary of its entry into force;

Recalling the second preambular paragraph of the Antarctic Treaty in which it is recognized that it is in the interest of all mankind that Antarctica shall continue forever to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes and shall not become the scene or object of international discord;

Conscious of:

(a) the responsibility assumed by the Consultative Parties for the protection of the environment and the wise use of the Treaty area;

(b) the increased understanding of the Antarctic and of its relationship to the world as a whole that has resulted from the endeavors of the Antarctic scientific community;

(c) the benefits derived from the co-ordination of Antarctic scientific research through the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR), its subsidiary institutions and from its co-operation with other international organizations having a scientific or technical interest in the Antarctic; and

(d) the value of the scientific advice from SCAR, requested by their Governments through their respective National Antarctic Committees, in connection with the development of the Antarctic Treaty system;

Recommend to their Governments that:

I. Scientific Research

Through their respective National Antarctic Committees, or the offices administering their Antarctic research programs, as appropriate, they express their gratitude to the members of the Antarctic scientific community, past and present, and to SCAR for the devoted service which they have given to the achievement of a better understanding of the Antarctic and to the development of the Antarctic Treaty System:

II. Commemoration of the Twentieth Anniversary of the Entry Into Force of the Antarctic Treaty

1. They consider suitable ways of commemorating the twentieth anniversary of the entry into force of the Antarctic Treaty, including the possibility of issuing a commemorative postage stamp during 1981 on the lines indicated in Recommendation V-1;

2. Any commemorative event should be consonant with the provisions and spirit of the Antarctic Treaty.