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Antarctic Reader ANTARCTICA: THE READER ................................................................ SECTION 1 3 Conserving Antarctica 4 Guidance for Visitors 5 Antarctica’s Historic Heritage SECTION 4 45 The Antarctic Treaty SECTION 2 9 Places You May Visit SECTION 5 9 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 49 The Physical Environment 11 South Georgia 49 The Southern Ocean 13 South Sandwich Islands 51 Antarctica 14 South Orkney Islands 53 Geology 14 Weddell Sea 54 Climate 16 South Shetland Islands 56 The Antarctic Circle 17 Antarctic Peninsula 57 Icebergs, Glaciers and Sea Ice 20 The Historic Ross Sea Sector 60 The Ozone Hole 24 New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands 62 Global Warming SECTION 3 SECTION 6 29 Explorers and Scientists 65 The Biological Environment 29 Terra Australis Exploration 66 Life in Antarctica 30 The Age of Sealers (1780-1892) 67 Adapting to the Cold 34 The Heroic Age & Continental Penetration 70 The Kingdom of Krill 38 Mechanical Age and Whaling Period 72 The Wildlife 41 Permanent Stations 72 Antarctic Squids 42 Pax Antarctica: The Treaty Period 73 Antarctic Fishes 74 Antarctic Birds 83 Antarctic Seals 88 Antarctic Whales SECTION 7 97 Wildlife Checklist TABLE OF CONTENTS HISTORIC HUT ........................................................... The first humans to spend a winter in Antarctica erected this hut in February 1899. CONSERVING ANTARCTICA Antarctica is the largest wilderness area on Earth, a place that we believe must be preserved in its present pristine state. Many governments and non-governmental organizations and all the leading companies arranging expeditions to the region are working together to ensure that Antarctica’s spectacular scenery, unique wildlife and extraordinary wilderness will be protected for future generations to enjoy. These internationally agreed guidelines apply to all visitors to Antarctica, including scientists and support Our expeditions to these fragile and unique habitats staff working for governmental research programs, as are operated in an environmentally responsible well as participants on organized expeditions, and manner. Quark Expeditions and other members of the individual visitors. The essential provisions are reflected International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators in national laws, so violations may be subject to legal (IAATO) operate under a voluntary code of conduct for sanctions including fines or even imprisonment. visitors to Antarctica. The code developed by IAATO members met with widespread approval, and was the The members of the Expedition Team are familiar inspiration for the guidelines under which the Antarctic with these guidelines and will brief you about them, Treaty parties operate. and help you to adhere to them. But you, too, have a part to play. By encouraging your fellow visitors to demonstrate environmentally-conscious behavior, you will assist us to ensure that future generations will be able to experience Antarctica in its pristine beauty. We appreciate your cooperation. SECTION 1: CONSERVING ANTARCTICA SECTION 1: CONSERVING 3 GUIDANCE FOR VISITORS Protect Antarctic Wildlife TO THE ANTARCTIC Taking or harmful interference with Antarctic wildlife is prohibited except in accordance with a permit Activities in the Antarctic are governed by the issued by a national authority. Antarctic Treaty of 1959 and associated agreements, • Do not use aircraft, vessels, small boats, or other referred to collectively as the Antarctic Treaty System. means of transport in ways that disturb wildlife, The Treaty established Antarctica as a zone of peace either at sea or on land. and science. • Do not feed, touch, or handle birds or seals, or approach or photograph them, in ways that cause In 1991, the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties them to alter their behavior. adopted the Protocol on Environmental Protection • Special care is needed when animals are breeding to the Antarctic Treaty, which designates the or molting. Antarctic as a natural reserve. The Protocol sets out • Do not damage plants, for example by walking, environmental principles, procedures, and obligations driving, or landing on extensive moss beds or for the comprehensive protection of the Antarctic lichen-covered scree slopes. environment, and its dependent and associated • Do not use guns or explosives. Keep noise to ecosystems. The protocols came into force in 1998. the minimum to avoid frightening wildlife. • Do not bring non-native plants or animals into the The Environmental Protocol applies to tourism and Antarctic, such as live poultry, pet dogs and cats, non-governmental activities, as well as governmental or house plants. activities in the Antarctic Treaty area. It is intended to ensure that these activities do not have adverse Respect Protected Areas effects on the Antarctic environment, or on its A variety of areas in the Antarctic have been scientific and aesthetic values. afforded special protection because of their particular ecological, scientific, historic, or other This Guidance for Visitors to the Antarctic is values. Entry into certain areas may be prohibited intended to ensure that all visitors are aware of, and except in accordance with a permit issued by an therefore able to comply with, the Treaty and the appropriate national authority. Activities in and near Protocol. Visitors are, of course, bound by their own designated Historic Sites and Monuments and certain national laws and regulations applicable to activities other areas may be subject to special restrictions. in the Antarctic. • Know the location of areas that have been afforded special protection and any restrictions regarding entry and activities that can be carried out in and near them. • Observe applicable restrictions. • Do not damage, remove, or destroy Historic Sites or Monuments or any artifacts associated with them. SECTION 1: CONSERVING ANTARCTICA SECTION 1: CONSERVING 4 Respect Scientific Research • Respect any smoking restrictions, particularly Do not interfere with scientific research, facilities, around buildings, and take great care to safeguard or equipment. against the danger of fire. This is a serious hazard • Obtain permission before visiting Antarctic in the dry environment of Antarctica. science and support facilities, reconfirm arrangements 24-72 hours before arrival, and ANTARCTICA’S HISTORIC HERITAGE comply with the rules regarding such visits. The oldest buildings in Antarctica are the two huts of • Do not interfere with, or remove, scientific the Borchgrevink expedition of 1899. The other huts equipment or marker posts, and do not disturb of the Heroic Age date from the period 1901-1914. experimental study sites, field camps, or supplies. They are designated Historic Monuments, and strict rules apply to visiting them. The huts at Cape Adare, Be Safe Hut Point, Cape Evans, and Cape Royds can only be Be prepared for severe and changeable weather visited with a designated guide, normally provided and ensure that your equipment and clothing meet by the Antarctic Heritage Trust or the New Zealand Antarctic standards. Remember that the Antarctic Department of Conservation. Conservation and environment is inhospitable, unpredictable, and restoration work at the sites is undertaken by the potentially dangerous. Antarctic Heritage Trust, a private charitable • Know your capabilities, and the dangers posed organization. To contribute to the cost of maintaining by the Antarctic environment, and act accordingly. these important sites you are welcome to Plan activities with safety in mind at all times. communicate with: • Keep a safe distance from all wildlife, both on land and at sea. The Administrator • Take note of, and act on, the advice and New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust instructions from your leaders; do not stray from P.O. Box 14-091 your group. Christchurch Airport, New Zealand • Do not walk onto glaciers or large snow fields Tel: +64-(0)3-358-0200; Fax: +64-3-(0)358-0211 without the proper equipment and experience; there is a real danger of falling into hidden Visitors to the Cape Denison Historic Site (Mawson’s crevasses. Huts) must follow official Visitor Guidelines. None of • Do not expect a rescue service. Self-sufficiency is the huts may be entered without local guidance. For increased and risks reduced by sound planning, further information, contact: quality equipment, and trained personnel. • Do not enter emergency refuges (except in The Australian Antarctic Division emergencies). If you use equipment or food from Channel Highway a refuge, inform the nearest research station or Kingston, Tasmania 7054, Australia national authority once the emergency is over. Tel: +61 (0)02-323-280; Fax: +61-(0)02-323-288 SECTION 1: CONSERVING ANTARCTICA SECTION 1: CONSERVING 5 “The continent has become a symbol of our time. The test of man’s willingness to pull back from the destruction of the Antarctic wilderness is the test also of his willingness to avert destruction globally. If he cannot succeed in Antarctica he has little chance of success elsewhere.” - Edwin Mickleburgh Abandoned huts, refuges, and supply depots in KEEP ANTARCTICA PRISTINE other parts of Antarctica are more recent in origin. Nevertheless, they may also be of great historical Antarctica remains relatively pristine, the largest interest. They are normally the responsibility of the wilderness area on Earth. It has not yet been relevant national governments. However, a charitable subjected to large scale human perturbations. trust has been established in Britain – the United Please keep it that way. Kingdom Antarctic Heritage
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