ANTARCTIC TREATY

Introduction

There are few places on Earth where there has never been war, where the environment is fully protected, and where scientific research has priority. A land which the Antarctic Treaty parties call a natural reserve, devoted to peace and science.

Human Impacts and threats:

Some Antarctic species have been taken to the verge of extinction for economic benefit. Soils have been contaminated. Sewage has been discharged into the sea and rubbish that will not decompose or break down has been left behind in even the remotest parts. Both science and tourism have the potential to damage the very qualities that draw them to Antarctica.

Global impacts:

Antarctica is an important laboratory for research into the global impacts of the industrialized world. The Lakes on Signy Island show fastest local response to regional climate found anywhere on Earth. Average temperatures having risen by 0.9C in 15 years while temperatures in the surrounding seas have stayed constant. Global warming for example may contribute to breakup ice-shelves causing loss of habitat for animals dependent on the ice-shelf as well as the effect of increasing sea level on low-lying regions in the rest of the world. Increasing Ultra Violet (UV) radiation due to the ozone hole may cause changes to phytoplankton communities and could have effects up the food chain.

Ozone hole:

October 1999 (average)

September 7th 2000

September 2006 average

Impact of fisheries.

Over fishing of a particular target species. Effects on other species that depend on the target species as a food resource or are eaten by the target species. Killing of other fish, vertebrate or invertebrate species accidentally caught alongside the target species, the so called "by-catch". Destruction of habitat by fishing gear.

Pollution

Minute traces of man-made chemicals used in other parts of the world can be detected in the snow that falls over the region. They become concentrated in the bodies of local wildlife such as seals and penguins. Oil spills are an increasing form of pollution in Antarctica as a result of increasing shipping activity in the region. An increasing problem in Antarctic waters is flotsam and debris lost overboard from ships, particularly fishing ships. Birds and seals get tangled up in lines and net.

Fur seals entangled in discarded rubbish

Mining and oils

There has never been any commercial mining in Antarctica, there are no current plans to mine Antarctica and mining is currently completely banned by the Antarctic Treaty.

The Antartic Treaty

The Antarctic Treaty came into force on 23 June 1961 after ratification by the twelve countries then active in Antarctic science. The Treaty covers the area south of 60S latitude. Forty six countries, comprising around 80% of the worlds population, have acceded to it.

Objectives

to demilitarize Antarctica. to establish it as a zone free of nuclear tests and the disposal of radioactive waste. to ensure that it is used for peaceful purposes only. to promote international scientific cooperation in Antarctica . to set aside disputes over territorial sovereignty.

Twenty eight nations, including the UK, have Consultative status. The Treaty parties meet each year at the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting. They have adopted over 300 recommendations and negotiated separate international agreements, of which three are still in use. These, together with the original Treaty provide the rules which govern activities in Antarctica. Collectively they are known as the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS).

The three international agreements are:

Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (1972) Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (1980) Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty or The Madrid Protocol (1991)

Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals(1972)

Recognizing the general concern about the vulnerability of Antarctic seals to commercial exploitation and the consequent need for effective conservation measures. Recognizing that the stocks of Antarctic seals are an important living resource in the marine environment which requires an international agreement for its effective conservation. Recognizing that this resource should not be depleted by over-exploitation, and hence that any harvesting should be regulated so as not to exceed the levels of the optimum sustainable yield.

Recognizing that in order to improve scientific knowledge and so place exploitation on a rational basis, every effort should be made both to encourage biological and other research on Antarctic seal populations and to gain information from such research and from the statistics of future sealing operations, so that further suitable regulations may be formulated. Desiring to promote and achieve the objectives of protection, scientific study and rational use of Antarctic seals, and to maintain a satisfactory balance within the ecological system.

Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research of the International Council of Scientific Unions (SCAR) will carry out the tasks requested of it in this Convention.

Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (1980)

It was established mainly in response to concerns that an increase in krill catches in the Southern Ocean could have a serious effect on populations of krill and other marine life; particularly on birds, seals and fish which mainly depend on krill for food. The aim of the Convention is to conserve marine life. The Convention defines a Commission and a Scientific Committee to work together to manage marine living resources in the Southern Ocean.

The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) and its Scientific Committee were a pioneer in the development of what has become known as the 'ecosystem approach' to the regulation of fisheries. An ecosystem approach does not concentrate solely on the species fished, but also seeks to avoid situations in which fisheries have a significant adverse effect on 'dependent and related species.

CCAMLR has to develop management approaches that assess the status of the ecosystem and its health.

Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty or The Madrid Protocol (1991).

to enhance the protection of the Antarctic environment and dependent and associated ecosystems. to strengthen the Antarctic Treaty system so as to ensure that Antarctica shall continue forever to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes and shall not become the scene or object of international discord. the special responsibility of the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties to ensure that all activities in Antarctica are consistent with the purposes and principals of the Antarctic Treaty.

to protect the Antarctic environment and dependent and associated ecosystems. scientific monitoring of and research on processes of global as well as regional importance. development of a Comprehensive regime for the protection of the Antarctic environment and dependent and associated ecosystems in the interest of mankind as a whole. Any activity relating to mineral resources, other than scientific research, shall be prohibited.

Conservation in Antarctica

The discharge of any oil or oily mixture, bulk chemicals or garbage from a ship is prohibited in Antarctica and must be discharged at port reception facilities outside the region. Sewage from ships is usually passed through a biological treatment plant that meets the requirements of the IMO before discharge. No Antarctic bird or mammal can be killed or captured without a permit. Minimize harmful interference with wildlife and control the introduction of non-native species

The establishment of specially protected areas to protect sites of outstanding scientific interest and designate specially protected species.

Environmental management:

Environmental audits impact of disturbance to the environment, vehicle exhausts, wildlife disturbance, waste of various types being produced etc. Experimenting with alternative energy sources - wind powered electricity generator. Protected areas are being set up with various levels degrees of protection, no vehicles allowed, limitations to annual visitors, or even no people allowed at all in some cases. Expeditioners are now educated far better about protecting the environment and are frequently guided by a code of conduct while in Antarctica.

Conclusion

As the Antarctic Treaty System matures it has become recognised as one of the most successful sets of international agreements, setting an example of peaceful cooperation for the rest of the world. As an environmental regime it is unique - an entire continent, which is essentially undisturbed, will remain protected because of the commitment and cooperation of the Treaty parties.

Thank you.