International Council of Scientific Unions ~©~~bulletin No. 122JULY1996

Meeting of the SCAR Executive Committee, Siena, Italy, 16-20 September 1995 p 1 Antarctic Protected Areas: Annexes to the Measures adopted at the XIXth Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting, Seoul, Korea, 8-19 May 1995 p 6

Published by the

SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE ON ANTARCTIC RESEARCH

at the

Scott Polar Research Institute, Cambridge, England INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF SCIENTIFIC UNIONS SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE ON ANT ARCTIC RESEARCH SCAR BULLETIN No 122, July 1996

Meeting of the SCAR Executive Committee Siena, Italy, 16-20 September 1995

Present: Professor AC Rocha-Campos, President; Profes­ The Group had also submitted a recommendation to sor Z Dong, Professor PG Quilty, ProfessorO Orheim, the Executive that SCAR should encourage the Joint Vice-Presidents; Professor K Birkenmajer, Secretary; Global Ocean Flux Study (JGOFS) and Southern Ocean -

Dr R Schlich, Chairman of the Finance Committee; JGOFS to continue the study of C02 flux in the Southern Professor A Karlqvist, Chairman of CO MNAP; Dr PD Ocean. This recommendation was adopted for passing to Clarkson, Executive Secretary. the Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR) Dr RM Laws, Past-President, was unable to attend. (see page 5). The Executive Committee was welcomed to Siena by 2.2 SCAR Programme Office Professor CA Ricci of the University of Siena, who had The Group of Specialists also reported that the SCAR kindly undertaken to organize the meeting. The President Global Change Programme Office had been established in expressed the gratitude of the Executive to Professor Ricci the Antarctic Cooperative Research Centre at the Univer­ for enabling the Committee to meet in the Accademia sity of Tasmania in Hobart. The appointed Programme Fisiocritica in Siena and for making available the facilities Coordinator had been forced to withdraw from the ap­ of the Department of Earth Sciences. pointment on account of technical difficulties obtaining a work permit. I D Goodwin had since been appointed and 1. Adoption of the Agenda was now undertaking the duties of the post. The draft agenda and timetable were adopted, with the 2.3 Relations with START, JGBP and WCRP addition of Agenda Item 4.3. The Group of Specialists continued to maintain links with. 2. Global Change and the Antarctic the System for Analysis, Research and Training (START), the International Geosphere-B iosphere Programme (IGBP) 2. I Group of Specialists and the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP). It The Executive recalled that the Group of Specialists on was noted that GLOCHANT Planning Group 2 was hold­ Global Change and the Antarctic (GLOCHANT) had held ing a joint meeting with the Past Global Changes (PAGES) its third meeting in Tokyo during April 1995. The report programme ofIGBPto discuss developments and plans for of the meeting had not yet been received but the Convenor future ice-core drilling in the Antarctic. and I F Allison had communicated the outline of a draft initiative proposed at the meeting. The Group proposes to 3. Antarctic data establish a Task Team that will develop a programme 3.1 SCAR-COMNAP ad hoc Planning Group on investigating Antarctic Sea-ice Processes, Ecosystems Antarctic Data Management and Climate (ASPECT). The intention is to design the Following XXIII SCAR, invitations had been issued si­ programme to close the gaps that were identified to exist multaneously by SCAR to National Committees and by in both physical and biological studies across the broader the Council of Managers ofNational Antarctic Programmes scale sea-ice environment between the Southern Ocean - (COMNAP) to Managers of National Antarctic Pro­ Joint Global Ocean Flux Study (SO-JGOFS), Southern grammes for proposals to host an Antarctic Master Direc­ Ocean - Global Ocean Ecosystems Dynamics Research tory (AMD) and to identify National Antarctic Data Cen­ (SO-GLOBEC) and Coastal and Shelf - Ecology of the tres (NADCs). One offer had been received to host the Antarctic Sea-Ice Zone (CS-EASlZ) programmes. The AMD and, after due consideration of the proposal, the programme should also strengthen the links between SCAR Planning Group had recommended to the SCAR and and these other programmes. The Executive encouraged COMNAP Executive Committees that the New Zealand the Group of Specialists to prepare a detailed science and proposal from the International Centre for Antarctic Infor­ implementation plan while taking note of the decision at mation and Research (ICAIR) in Christchurch should be XXIIJ. It is hoped that a final version will be available for accepted. Once the funding for the AMD by a consortium consideration by the Delegates at XXIV SCAR. of New Zealand, France, Italy and the United States, had SCAR BULLETIN NO. 122

been satisfactorily agreed the two Executive Committees 4. COMNAP and SCALOP confmned acceptance of the ICAIR proposal. Many, but not all, member countries had now identified their NADCs 4.1 SCALOP Workshop to the Planning Group. The Executive Secretary gave a brief report of the SCALOP It was reported that the ad hoc Planning Group consid­ Air Transport Networks Workshop held in Washington ered that its task had now been completed. The Planning DC, USA, during April 1995 and tabled a copy of his Group envisaged one more meeting, at XXlV SCAR, to Chairman's report of Working Group I on Air Support for recommend closure of the Group. Major Science Programs. Under the guidance of Dr DH 3.2 Antarctic Master Directory (AMD) Bromwich, Chairman of the SCAR Working Group on Physics and Chemistry of the Atmosphere, a recommenda­ A Memorandum of Understanding had been drafted by the tion had been developed to encourage operators to ensure SCAR-COMNAP ad hoc Planning Group for joint signa­ that in-flight weather reports were appropriately archived ture by ICAIR, SCAR and COMNAP. After some minor to increase the areal cover of opportunistic meteorological revisions, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) data in the Antarctic. was signed by all three parties in July 1995 and the Antarctic Data Directory System (ADDS) was put into 4.2 SCAR-COMNAP Environmental Monitoring effect at ICAIR. The Executive expressed its thanks to Workshops ICAIR and the members of the funding consortium for The second circular for the first of the two SCAR-COMN AP offering to undertake this essential function. Environmental Monitoring Workshops was tabled for A condition of the MOU, that was inserted at a late information. The Workshop will be held in Oslo, Norway, stage, was a statement of the proposed method of operation during October 1995. It is expected that the report of this of the AMO Steering Committee. A preliminary statement workshop will form the basis for the agenda of the second was provided by ICAIR to the SCAR Executive, outlining workshop to be held in College Station, Texas, USA, the proposed modus operandi. This was accepted by the during March 1996. These workshops will develop advice Executive. The proposal that SCAR should be represented on environmental monitoring to be presented by SCAR by Mr A Clarke, co-chairman for SCAR of the ad hoc and COMNAP to XX! Antarctic Treaty Consultative Planning Group, was also accepted and the financial Meeting (A TCM) during 1997. commitment agreed. The Steering Committee is expected 4.3 SCALOP Sub-group to meet annually at the beginning of the Antarctic field season when representatives of the organizations forming The SCALOP Sub-group on Human Resources Manage­ the consortium may be expected to be passing through ment will be chaired by Dr RB Heywood. A joint meeting Christchurch, New Zealand, en route for Antarctica. with the SCAR Working Group on Human Biology and Tne meeting expressed concern that not all National Medicine will be held in conjunction with XXIV SCAR. Committees had identified their NADCs; the Executive 5. Groups of Specialists Secretary was asked to remind National Committees of their obligations to ensure the success of the AMO and to 5. I Environmental Affairs and Conservation request that the information should be sent directly to (GOSEAC) ICAIR. The Executive welcomed the Report of the GOSEAC VII The Executive also reviewed a proposal from ICAIR to Meeting held in Christchurch, New Zealand during June establish a SCAR Home Page on the World Wide Web. 1995. Some suggestions were made to clarify the text in This would provide essential information about SCAR some parts and it was noted that the draft checklists for that would be accessible to interested parties world-wide. some common activities were lacking introductions. These It was agreed that this was an essential service for SCAR were to be examined by the relevant SCAR Working but that it should start in a modest way and would need to Groups for comment before acceptance by GOSEAC and be carefully monitored. The Executive Secretary was recommendation to SCAR. Members agreed on the im­ asked to prepare a proposal forthe Executive to review and portance of the GOSEAC report for SCAR to frame to obtain a costing from ICAIR for the service. responses to the Antarctic Treaty requests for advice on An additional proposal from ICAIR to establish a specific scientific matters. The progress of the Manage­ secure, electronic communications network for the SCAR ment Plan Handbook for Antarctic Specially Protected Executive was also discussed. A Karlqvist advised that, Areas (ASPAs) was noted and the concern of GOSEAC based on his experience of the Antarctic Managers Elec­ that some future ASPAs may include some Historic Sites tronic Network (AMEN), this was probably unnecessary and Monuments (HSMs) that are not a matter for SCAR. for such a small group. However, it was recognized that it The Executive advised that the Handbook should simply would have value, particularly if it could be extended to mention that an ASPA may include an HSM and that include all National Committees and, ideally, Associate SCAR should request guidance on this point at XX A TCM. Members. It was decided to postpone this option until it The Meeting also took note of the need to disseminate was known how many National Committees and Associ­ information on Antarctic science in lay terms to the public ate Members would be able to take part. at large. ·

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The membership of the Group was discussed and it was The Executive Secretary reported that the Working Groups agreed that the current members should continue. In this were continuing with their planned programmes of work. respect, the Executive recalled that members of all Groups Several Working Groups had held workshops but that no of Specialists are chosen for their scientific expertise. details had been received. 5.2 Other Groups of Specialists The Executive Committee also noted the VII Interna­ The Executive recalled that the earth science Groups of tional Symposium on Antarctic Earth Sciences that had Specialists on Structure and Evolution of the Antarctic been held in Siena immediately prior to the meeting of the Lithosphere, and on Cenozoic Palaeoenvironments of the Executive Committee. There had been more than 400 Southern High Latitudes will have completed their pro­ registrants and the standard of oral and poster presentation had been. very high, emphasizing the vitality of earth grammes and will be closed at XXIV SCAR. The Execu­ tive noted particularly the success of the Antarctic Off­ sciences in the Antarctic. The Committee congratulated Professor C A Ricci and his organizing committee for shore Acoustic Stratigraphy (ANTOSTRAT) programme and the importance of the Seismic Data Library System hosting such a successful meeting. (SOLS) established under the programme. In this respect, 7. SCAR Meetings the proposal from Italy to host the SCAR SOLS was 7.1 XXIV SCAR welcomed. Furthermore, the Executive recalled SCAR Recommendation XXIII-13 encouraging those national The Executive Secretary reported to the meeting on progress programmes with existing seismic data that have yet to be with the arrangements for XXIV SCAR and COMNAP transferred to Compact Disc - Read Only Memory (CD­ VIII to be held in Cambridge, August 1996. All those ROM) to find the funds ($5,000 per cruise) to complete the groups that had requested to meet, including COMNAP transfer. It was agreed that in future the SOLS host would and SCALOP, will be accommodated. Some sub-groups report to the Working Group on Solid-Earth Geophysics that planned to meet immediately prior to the SCAR and that the report would be appended to the Working Meeting will be accommodated at the British Antarctic Group report to SCAR. It was noted that the ANTOSTRAT Survey. A marquee will be provided alongside the confer­ group was meeting in Siena at the same time as the ence venue for the SCALOP technology exhibition. The Executive Committee to identify locations in the Southern second circular for the meeting should be posted later this Ocean to be proposed to the Ocean Drilling Programme year, probably in November. (ODP) as future drill sites. It was also understood that the 7.2 XXVSCAR earth science working groups may propose a new Group of The President recalled the offer of Chile to host XXV Specialists at XXIV SCAR to investigate Late Quaternary SCAR. It was hoped that the dates and venue for the to Holocene climatic records. meeting will be confirmed at XXIV SCAR. A brief report was received from the CS-EASIZ Steer­ A Karlqvist suggested that experience had shown that ing Group following its recent meeting in Cambridge, it might be better for the COMNAP and SCALOP meet­ United Kingdom. The principal point from the meeting ings held in conjunction with a SCAR Meeting to be re­ was a recommendation that CS-EASIZ should become a scheduled ·for the second week in parallel with the SCAR GLOCHANT task group rather than remain a programme Delegates Meeting. He agreed that there would be conflict of the Group of Specialists on Southern Ocean Ecology. of interest for some participants who are normally del­ The Steering Group felt that this would be scientifically egates to both the SCAR and COMNAP meetings but felt advantageous because many aspects of the programme are that the suggestion was worth exploring. particularly relevant to global change studies. There The President also recalled that Japan had made a would also be an administrative advantage as it had been provisional offer to host XXVI SCAR in 2000. agreed at XXIII SCAR that the GLOCHANT Coordinator will be responsible for assisting the CS-EASIZ Steering 8. Antarctic Treaty Meetings Group. It was noted that the Group of Specialists on 8.1 XIXATCM Southern Ocean Ecology had not yet commented on this proposal. The SCAR Report to XIX A TCM was tabled for informa­ tion and the Report of the SCAR Observers to XIX A TCM 6. Working Groups was tabled for discussion. One of the principal difficulties At XXIII SCAR, the Working Group on Biology had for SCAR was being able to respond to requests from one planned a small workshop on the Evolutionary Biology of A TCM in time for the following A TCM, now that the Antarctic Organisms. This workshop was held in Curitiba, Treaty Meetings are held annually. A Karlqvist agreed Brazil, and the workshop had proposed establishing a sub­ that this was also a difficulty for COMNAP. SCAR is committee under the Working Group. A plan of organiza­ trying to accelerate the internal procedures for review by tion and a provisional list of research topics had been sent National Committees of papers to be submitted to the to the Executive for information. The Executive wel­ ATCM, taking account of the necessary internal time comed this initiative that should be pursued under the constraints. It was recognized that papers not being fully guidance of the Working Group on Biology. reviewed by National Committees could not be regarded

3 SCAR BULLETIN NO. 122 as reflecting SCAR opinions and such papers would need SO-JGOFS (see also the SCAR Recommendation to SCOR, to be held overtothe following meeting; any paper that had page 5). not been fully reviewed by National Committees should be 10. Relationships with other bodies submitted to the current meeting as a status report only. It was agreed that SCAR must continue to provide to 10.l TASC the ATCM the best scientific advice available and that it A Karlqvist and 0 Orheim gave a verbal presentation of was for others to decide how best and to what extent the the current situation concerning the Arctic Council and the advice should be implemented. International Arctic Science Committee (IASC), follow­ It was agreed that the SCAR Report to a Treaty Meet­ ing the recent European Networking Conference in ing should emphasize the importance of scientific activi­ Svalbard. It was agreed that these developments would be ties in the Antarctic and should table appropriate Informa­ of interest to SCAR and that SCAR should maintain its tion Papers. Scientific advice that was being provided in scientific links with IASC, ·particularly in the field of response to requests from the ATCM should be tabled as global change research. 0 Orheim reminded the meeting Working Papers from SCAR. of the proposed bi-polar global change conference, first notified during XXII SCAR, that was now being sched­ 8.2 Intersessiona/ Meeting of the Legal Expert Group uled to be held in Tn~mso, Norway, ideally during August The President recalled that at XIX ATCM the Chairman of 1998. This would follow closely the opening of the new this Group had requested that delegations to this Norsk Polarinstitutt facility. The Executive Secretary was intersessional meeting should include scientific advisers asked to determine the timing of the Commission for the and he had indicated during discussions that SCAR would Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources be invited to send an observer to this meeting, to be held in (CCAMLR) Working Group and the XXV SCAR meet­ Brussels, Belgium, 23-27November1995. The Executive ings to endeavour to avoid a clash of interests. Secretary confirmed that no such invitation had yet been It was agreed to reformulate this agenda item on "IASC received. relations" to "Bi-polar Relations" in future discussions. 8.3 XXATCM The meeting was also notified of the global change The Executive identified those items of the ATCM agenda conference to be held in Hanover, New England, USA, where SCAR had been requested to provide scientific during December 1995, and of the IASC meeting in advice and where SCAR could present scientific reports Bremerhaven, 24-26 April 1996. It was agreed that SCAR for information. It was agreed that the Executive Secretary should seek to be represented at both these meetings. should contact the relevant SCAR Chief Officers to pre­ 11.Finance pare papers for XX ATCM as appropriate and that these shouid be circulated to the Executive and National Com­ l 1.1 1994 Financial Statements mittees. The 1994 Financial Statements were reviewed against the It was agreed that SCAR should again be represented 1994 Budget by the Chairman of the Finance Committee. by the President, Convenorof GOSEAC and the Executive As a result of recent financial policy, it was noted that Secretary. expenditure on scientific activities had increased while expenditure on administration had decreased. 9. Relationships with ICSU bodies l 1.2 1995 and 1996 Budgets 9.1 !CSU The i 995 and 1996 Budgets that had been set at XXIII The SCAR Report to International Council of Scientific SCAR were reviewed and revised in the light of informa­ Unions (!CSU) for 1994 was tabled for information. tion received by the SCAR Secretariat. It was regretted The Executive noted the request from the President of that some budget allocations would probably no longer be !CSU for a statement of the future plans of SCAR. A draft needed as some scheduled meetings were now unlikely to statement was tabled and amended. The statement will be be held. sent to the ICSU Secretariat in time to be tabled at the !CSU 11.3 National Contributions General Committee Meeting in October 1995. It was The Executive Secretary reported that half the Full Mem­ noted that the SCAR Secretary, Professor K Birkenmajer, bers of SCAR had now advised the new contribution would be attending the meeting. category in which they had chosen to contribute. It was 9.2 Other /CSU bodies agreed that the Executive Secretary should remind those The Executive noted the request from SCOR to provide National Committees with outstanding contributions for information on relevant SCAR activities to its meeting in 1995 and previous years that these were overdue. October 1995. It was agreed that Professor M Tilzer, The Executive Secretary reported that some National SCAR representative to SCOR, should be provided with Committees that were thought to be in arrears had pro­ papers from GLOCHANT and CS-EASIZ on aspects of duced documentary evidence to show that they had paid. these two programmes that are of relevance to the work of He agreed to explore the situation with !CSU. In this SCAR in the Southern Ocean, particularly in respect to respect, SCAR should query whether the !CSU rules

4 JULY 1996 specified that national contributions must be paid to !CSU. the term starting on 1 October 1997, should be initiated in If national contributions could be paid direct to SCAR it March 1997 to allow time for proper advertisement of the should eliminate the difficulty of identifying the source of position if this is necessary. They should involve reassess­ the contribution. ment of the nature of the position and definition of the 11.4 Other matters salary scale and/or pension provision. The new contract should be prepared by the President of SCAR and ap­ It was agreed that SCAR should have a company credit proved by the Executive Committee. card to be used for paying meeting expenses. The Execu­ tive Secretary was asked to investigate which card would 13. Any Other Business It be most appropriate and to take the necessary action. was 13.1 Vostok Lake Workshop also agreed that SCAR should open a deposit account in Britain for feeding into the current account. The Executive Secretary reported that the Vostok Lake Workshop had been held at the Scott Polar Research 12. SCAR Strategy and Functions Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom, in April 1995 12.1 Constitution and Rules of Procedure under the terms of SCAR Recommendation XXIII-12. A preliminary draft report of the Workshop was tabled and The President introduced the new draft of the Constitution the Executive Secretary was asked to finalize the draft and Rules of Procedure. He expressed the thanks of the report and circulate it as soon as possible. Committee to Professor R H Rutford for the work he had put into achieving the new version. Recommendation The Committee proceeded to examine the new draft Concerning biogeochemical flux studies paragraph by paragraph and made a number of alterations The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR). to ensure internal consistency. The revised draft will be Noting the impressive amount of good work that has been circulated to National Committees for comment so that a undertaken during Phase I of SO-JGOFS (Southern final version may be adopted by Delegates at XXIV SCAR Ocean - Joint Global Ocean Aux Study), to be passed to !CSU for approval. Noting further that two major subsystems of the Southern 12. 2 Secretariat Ocean are of particular importance in the perspective The Executive reviewed the main administrative matters of global change: the seasonal sea-ice zone, and the related to the SCAR Executive Secretary position. It was frontal area (Sub-tropical Convergence, Sub-Antarctic agreed that terms and conditions of the present contract for Convergence and Polar Front), and the period 1 October 1993 to 30 September 1997 should Believing that the frontal area is a major sink of CO,. remain the same as for the initial contract. It was also Recommends that SCOR encourages the appropriate ad­ decided that the salary should be adjusted annually taking ministrative bodies of JGOFS and SO-JGOFS to pur­ into account the official inflation rate in the United King­ sue the study of biogeochemical fluxes in the frontal dom. Future negotiations related to the next contract, for area during Phase II of SO-JGOFS.

LIST OF ACRONYMS

ADDS Antarctic Data Directory System GLOCHANT Group of Specialists on Global Change AMO Antarctic Master Directory and the Antarctic AMEN Antarctic Managers Electronic Network GOSEAC Groups of Specialists on Environmental ANTOSTRAT Antarctic Off-shore Acoustic Strati- Affairs and Conservation graphy HSM Historic Site and Monument ASPA Antarctic Specially Protected Area IASC International Arctic Science Committee ASPECT Antarctic Sea-ice Processes, Ecosystems ICAIR International Centre for Antarctic Re- and Climate search and Information ATCM Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting !CSU International Council of Scientific Un- CCAMLR Commission for the Conservation of Ant- ions arctic Marine Living Resources !GDP International Geosphere-Biosphere Pro- CD-ROM Compact Disc - Read Only Memory gramme COMN AP Council of Managers of National Ant- JGOFS Joint Global Ocean Aux Study arctic Programmes MOU Memorandum of Understanding CS-EASIZ Coastal and Shelf - Ecology of the Ant- NADC National Antarctic Data Centres arctic Sea-Ice Zone ODP Ocean Drilling Programme

5 SCAR BULLETIN NO. 122

PAGES Past Global Changes SDLS Seismic Data Library System SCALOP Standing Committee on Antarctic Logis­ SO-GLOB EC Southern Ocean - Global Ocean Ecosys­ tics and Operations tems Dynamics Research SCAR Scientific Committee on Antarctic Re­ SO-JGOFS Southern Ocean - Joint Global Ocean search Flux Study SCOR Scientific Committee on Oceanic Re­ START System for Analysis, Research and Training search WCRP World Climate Research Programme

Antarctic Protected Areas

The Decisions, Measures, and Resolutions adopted at the XIXth Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting held in Seoul, Korea, 8-19 May 1995, were reproduced in SCAR Bulletin No 121. Space limitations prevented the inclusion of the Annexes to the Measures (Managements Plans for protected areas ) that are now reproduced here.

Annex A to Measure 1 (1995)

Management Plan, for Specially Protected Area (SPA) No. 13

MOE ISLAND, SOUTH ORKNEY ISLANDS

1. Description of V aloes to be Protected Polytrichum moss turf found in the Antarctic. Moe Island The Area was originally designated in Recommendation has been visited on few occasions and has never been the IV-13 (1966, SPA No 13) after a proposal by the United site of occupation for periods of more than a few hours. Kingdom on the grounds that Moe Island provided a 2. Aims and Objectives representative sample of the maritime Antarctic ecosys­ Management of Moe Island aims to: tem, that intensive experimental research on the neigh­ avoid major changes to the structure and composi­ bouring Signy Island might alter its ecosystem and that tion of the terrestrial Vegetation, in particular the Moe Island should be specially protected as a control area moss turf banks; for future comparison. prevent unnecessary human disturbance to the Area; These grounds are still relevant. Whilst there is no permit research of a compelling scientific nature evidence that research activities at Signy Island have which cannot be served elsewhere, particularly re­ significantly altered the ecosystems there, a major change search related to determining the differences be­ has occurred in the low-altitude terrestrial system as a tween the ecology of an undisturbed island and that result of the rapidly expanding fur seal (Arctocepha/us ofan adjacent occupied and fur seal perturbed island. gaze/la) population. Plant communities on nearby Signy 3. Management Activities Island have been physically disrupted by trampling by fur Ensure that the biological condition of Moe Island is seals and nitrogen enrichment from the seals' excreta has resulted in replacement of bryophytes and lichens by the adequately monitored, preferably by non-invasive meth­ ods, and that the sign-boards are serviced. macro-alga Prasiola crispa. Low-lying lakes have been significantly affected by enriched run-off from the sur­ If fur seals were to gain access to the interior of Moe rounding land. So far Moe Island has not been invaded by Island it would be necessary to take action to prevent fur seals to any great extent and its topography makes it damage to the vulnerable moss banks. This action would most likely consist of tlie erection of a seal-proof fence at less likely that seals will penetrate to the more sensitive the head of the gully at the north-east of Landing Cove. areas. Any direct management activities in the Area would be The values to be protected are those associated with the subject to an environmental impact assessment before any biological composition and diversity of a near-pristine decision to proceed is taken. example of the maritime Antarctic terrestrial and littoral marine ecosystems. In particular, Moe Island contains the 4. Period of Designation greatest continuous expanses of Chorisodontium- Designated for an indefinite period.

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5. Maps biological value and the reason for the designation of the Map 1 shows the location of Moe Island in relation to the Area. The cryptogamic flora is diverse. South Orkney Islands. Map 2 shows Moe Island in greater The mites Gamasellus racovitzai and Stereotydeus detail. villosus and the springtail Cryptopygus antarcticus are common under stones. 6. Description of the Area There were five colonies of chinstrap penguins 6 (i) Geographical coordinates boundary markers and (Pygoscelis antarctica) totalling about 11,000 pairs in natural features 1978-79. Amorerecentvisit(February 1994)notedfewer than 100 pairs on the northern side of Landing Cove and Moe Island. South Orkney Islands, is a small irregularly· more than a thousand on the southern side. Numerous shaped island lying 300 m off the south-western extremity other birds breed on the island, notably about 2000 pairs of of Signy Island, from which it is separated by FyrChannel. cape petrels (Daption capensis) in 14 colonies (1966) and It is about 1.3 km from the north-east to south-west and large numbers of Antarctic prions (Pachyptila desolata). 1 km from north-west to south-east. Its position on Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) and leopard Admiralty Chart No 1775, latitude 60°44'S, longitude seals I Hydrurga leptonyx) are found in the bays on the west 45°45'W, does not agree closely with that in Map 2 (lat. side of the island. Increasing numbers of fur seals 60°44'S, long. 45°4l'W). (Arctocephalus gazella), mostly juvenile males, come The island rises precipitously on the north-eastern and ashore on the north side of Landing Cove and have caused south-eastern sides to Snipe Peak (226 m altitude). There some damage to vegetation in that area. However, it is is a subsidiary summit above South Point (102 m altitude) possible that the nature of the terrain will restrict these and lower hills on each of three promontories on the animals to this small headland where damage may inten­ western side above Corral Point (92 m), Conroy Point sify. (89 m) and Spaull Point (56 m). Small areas of permanent 6 (ii) Restricted zanes within the Area ice remain on the east- and south-facing slopes with late None snow lying on the steeply dipping western slopes. There are no permanent streams or pools. 6 (iii) Location of structures within the Area The rocks are metamorphic quartz-mica schists, with A marker board is located at the back of the small shingle occasional biotite and quartz-rich beds. There is a thin bed beach in the north-east comer of Landing Cove, beyond of undifferentiated amphibolite on the north-eastern coast. the splash zone on top of a flat rock, to which it is bolted. Much of the island is overlain with glacial drift and scree. The board was erected on 2 February 1994. Soils are predominantly immature deposits of fine to There is a cairn and the remains of a survey mast, coarse clays and sands intermixed with gravels, stones and erected in 1965-66, on Spaull Point. This mast is of interest boulders. They are frequently sorted by freeze-thaw for lichenometric studies and should not be removed. action in high or exposed locations into small-scale circles, There are no other structures on Moe Island. polygons, stripes and lobes. There are deep accumulations 6 (iv) Location of other Protected Areas within close of peat (up to 2 m thick on western slopes), considerable proximity expanses of the surface of which are bare and eroded. SPA No 14, Lynch Island, lies about 10 km north-north­ The dominant plant communities areAndreaea-Usnea east of Moe Island. SPA No 18, North Coronation Island, fellfield and banks of Chorisodontium-Polytrichum moss lies about 19 km away on the northern side of Coronation turf (the largest known example of this community type in Island. SPA No 15, Southern Powelllsland, is about 41 km the Antarctic). These moss banks constitute a major to the east.

u•)O'W .,. ""°"" ··- ... South Orkney SPA No.18 ls/ands ' · · Nor1h1rn Cotonabon Island

.,. ... 9 . s1lslan~~v . ~ SPA No.14 Lynch Island

0 20 "'SPA No.13 SPANo.15 Moe Island km" South1rn Powell Island I0'5aS

Map 1. Moe Island Specially Protected Area in relation to the South Orkney Islands.

7 SCAR BULLETIN NO. 122

45•41w

Spaull Qi Point ""·

Landing area for small boats

Corral Point

MOE ISLAND Specially Protected Area No. 13

LEGEND South Point · 0 Permanent snow/ice 0 lee-tree area DI Moss vegetation • Penguin colony {Chinstrap) ·..... ·· Limiting offshore danger line -- Contour(10m) ..._, Index contour (50 m)

&ue Survey station (occupied) 6 811 Survey station (intersected} 1 • 1 Spot height (photogrammetric) 0

60°45'5

0 500

METRES 45'4'!"/r'

Map 2. Moe Island Specially Protected Area

7. Permit Conditions • the actions permitted will not jeopardize the natural Entry into the Area is prohibited except in accordance with ecological system in the Area; a permit issued by appropriate national authorities. • any management activities are in support of the Conditions for issuing a Permit to enter the Area are that: objectives of the Management Plan; • it is issued only for a compelling scientific purpose • the actions permitted are in accordance with this which cannot be served elsewhere; Management Plan;

8 JULY 1996

• the Permit, or an authorised copy, must be carried a compelling scientific purpose specified in the Permit, within the Specially Protected Area; shall be removed from the Area at or before the conclusion • a repon or repons are supplied to the authority or of the activity for which the Permit was granted. authorities named in the Permit. Fuel, food and other materials are not to be deposited 7 (i) Access to and movement within the Area in the area, unless required for essential purposes con­ There are no restrictions on landing from the sea which is nected with the activity for which the Permit has been granted. All such materials introduced are to be removed the preferred method. No special access points are speci­ when no longer required. Permanent depots are not fied, but landings are usually most safely made at the permitted. nonh-east corner of Landing Cove. Helicopter landings should be avoided where practica­ 7 (vi) Taking or harmful interference with native flora ble. Helicopters may land only on the col between hill and fauna 89 m and the western slope of Snipe Peak. To avoid This is prohibited, except in accordance with a Permit. overflying bird colonies approach should preferably be Where animal taking or harmful interference is involved from the south, though an approach from the nonh is this should be in accordance with SCAR Code of Conduct permissible. for Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes in Antarctica, It is forbidden to overfly the Area below 250 m altitude as a minimum standard. above the highest point except for access to the landing 7 (vii) Collection and removal of anything not brought point specified above. into the area by the Permit holder No pedestrian routes are designated but persons on foot Material may be collected or removed from the Area only should at all times avoid disturbances to birds or damage in accordance with a Permit, except that debris of man­ to vegetation and periglacial features. Vehicles are pro­ made origin may be removed from the beaches of the Area hibited on Moe Island. and dead or pathological specimens of fauna or flora may 7 (ii) Activities which are or may be conducted within be removed for laboratory examination. the Area, including restrictions on time and place 7 (viii) Disposal of waste • Compelling scientific research which cannot be un­ All non-human wastes shall be removed from the Area. denaken elsewhere and which will not jeopardize Human waste may be deposited in the sea. the ecosystem of the Area 7 (ix) Measures that may be necessary to ensure that the • Essential management activities, including monitor- aims and objectives of the Management Plan ing continue to be met 7 (iii) Installation, modification or removal ofstructures Permits may be granted to enter the Area to carry out No structures are to be erected in the Area, or scientific biological monitoring and site inspection activities, which equipment installed, except for essential scientific or man­ may involve the collection of small amounts of plant agement activities, as specified in the Permit. material or small numbers of animals for analysis or audit, to erect or maintain notice boards, or protective measures. 7 (iv) Location offield camps 7 (x) Requirements for reports Panies should not normally camp in the Area. If this is essential for reasons of safety, tents should be erected The Principal Permit Holder for each issued Permit shall having regard to causing the least damage to vegetation or submit a report of activities conducted in the Area using disturbance to fauna. the accepted Visit Repon form suggested by SCAR. This repon shall be submitted to the authority named in the 7 (v) Restrictions on materials and organisms which Permit as soon as practicable, but not later than 6 months · may be brought into the Area after the visit has taken place. Such repons should be No living animals or plant material shall be deliberately stored indefinitely and made available to interested Par­ introduced into the Area. ties, SCAR, CCAMLR and COMNAP if requested, to No poultry products, including food products contain­ provide the documentation of human activities within the ing uncooked dried eggs, shall be taken into the area. Area necessary for good management. No herbicides or pesticides shall be brought into the Area. Any other chemicals, which may be introduced for

9 SCAR BULLETIN NO. 122

Annex B to Measure 1 (1995)

Management Piao for Specially Protected Area (SPA) No. 15

SOUTHERN POWELL ISLAND AND ADJACENT ISLANDS, SOUTH ORKNEY ISLANDS

1. Description of Values to be Protected 4. Period of Designation The Area was originally designated in Recommendation Designated under A TCM Recommendation IV-15 for an IV-15 (1966, SPA No 15) after a proposal by the United indefinite period. Kingdom on the grounds that Southern Powell Island and 5. Maps the adjacent islands support substantial vegetation and a considerable bird and mammal fauna. The Area was Map I shows the location of southern Powell Island in representative of the natural ecology of the South Orkney relation to the South Orkney Islands. Map 2 shows the Islands, and was rendered more important by the nucleus Area in greater detail. of the expanding colony of Antarctic fur seals 6. Description of the Area (Arctocepha/us gaze/la). These grounds are still relevant, though the expansion 6 (i) Geographical coordinates and natural features of the fur seal colony is progressing only slowly. The Area, which is centred on latitude 60°42'S and longi­ The values to be protected are primarily those associ­ tude 45°01 'W, includes all of Powell Island, South Orkney ated with the large concentrations of breeding birds and Islands, south of the latitude of the southern summit of seals, and to a lesser extent, the terrestrial vegatation. John Peaks (375 m altitude), together with the shore of Fredriksen Island, Michelsen Island (a tidal peninsula at 2. Aims and Objectives the southern tip of Powell Island), Christoffersen Island, Management of southern Powell Island and adjacent is­ Grey Island and unnamed adjacent islands. All but the lands aims to: Crutchley Ice Piedmont of southern Powell Island are ice­ • avoid major changes in the structure and composi· free in summer, though there are patches of semi-perma­ tion of the terrestrial vegetation; nent or late-lying snow in places. • prevent unnecessary human disturbance to the Area~ The rocks of southern Powell Island, Michelsen Island • permit research of a compelling scientific nature which cannot be served elsewhere. and Christoffersen Island are conglomerates of Creta­ ceous-Jurassic age. The two promontories to the west of 3. Management Activities John Peaks arc Carboniferous greywacke-shales. There Because of its use as an anchorage in the past, it is are boulders containing plant fossils in the glacial deposits important that the signs, which identify the Area as a around Falkland Harbour. Much of central and southern Specially Protected Area and point out that landing with­ Fredriksen Island is composed of sandstone and dark out a Permit is forbidden, are maintained phyllitic shales. The north-east, and probably most of the Visits should be made as necessary to assess the north, of this island is highly sheared conglomerate with biological composition of the Area, in particular the state laminated mudstone. The Area has a thick mantle of of the fur seal colony, and to maintain sign-boards. glacial till, strongly influenced by seabird guano .

...... •,.JOW ...... South Orkney Islands

...... s;g~ylslan~ ~_ SPANo.14 Lyncn Island .... 0 .. SPANo.13 Moe Island Southern Powell km" ...... !&land

Map 1. Southern Powell ls/and and adjacent islands Specially Protected Area in relation to the South Orkney ls/ands.

to JULY 1996 a 0

CHRlpTOFFERSEN ;ISLAND MICHELSEN ,,. ! ISLAND

GREY a·. :southern ISLANDS) : ;Powell Island . -.. - . -.. -. -.. -. -.. -. -.. -· LEGEND 0 Permat'l9nl &nowflC• 0 lc.-fr•• .,••

• l.W · ·-.. · · Umitlng oflShore danger line ..._ Fomiine (50 m) - lndax fotmlN {2.$0 m) •" Survey station (occupied} ' tr Survey station (lntsrsected) 7 • • SPol heigh1 Cb•rom•triel

.. ~ ' Map 2. Southern Powell ls/and and adjacent islands Specially Protected Area.

Michelsen Island is almost devoid of land vegetation, No information is available on the arthropod fauna, but although on the rocks there are extensive communities of this is probably very similar to that at Signy Island. The lichens dominated by nitrophilous crustose species. These springtails Cryptopygus antarcticus and Parisotoma are also widespread on Fredriksen Island and elsewhere on octooculata and the mites Alaskozetes antarcticus, bird-influenced cliffs and rocks near the shore. The most Stereotydeus villosus and Gamasellus racovitzai occur in diverse vegetation on Powell Island occurs on the two great numbers beneath stones. promontories and associated scree west of Falkland Har­ There are few observations on marine biota in the Area, bour. Here, and on Christoffersen Island and the northern but this is likely to be very similar to the well-researched partofFredriksen Island, moss banks with underlying peat Signy Island area. The relatively enclosed Falkland­ occur. Wet areas support stands of moss carpet. There are Ellefsen harbour area and the bay on the east side of the extensive areas of the nitrophilous macroalga Prasiola peninsula are highly influenced by glacial run-off from the crispa associated with the penguin colonies in the area. ice piedmont. Snow alga are prominent on the ice piedmont and snow Large numbers of penguins and petrels breed through­ patches in late summer. out the Area. There are many thousand pairs of chinstrap

II SCAR BULLETIN NO. 122 penguins (Pygoscelis antarctica), mostly on Fredriksen is about the same distance away on the nonhem side of Island. Similarly large numbers of Adelie penguins ( P. Coronation Island. adeliae) occur principally on the southern Powell­ 7. Permit Conditions Michelsen island area. Here there are also several thou­ sand pairs of gen too penguins ( P. papua) and a very few Entry into the area is prohibited except in accordance with scattered pairs of macaroni penguins ( Eudyptes a Permit issued by an appropriate national authority as chrysolophus) breeding among the gentoos. designated under Anicle 7 of Annex V of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. Other breeding birds include southern giant petrels (Macronectes giganteus ), cape petrels ( Daption capensis ), Conditions for issuing a Permit to enter the Area are snow petrels ( Pagodroma nivea), Wilson's storm petrels that: (Oceanites oceanicus), blue-eyed shags (Phalacrocorax • it is issued only for a compelling scientific purpose which cannot be served elsewhere; atriceps), Dominican gulls (Larus dominicanus), brown • the actions permitted will not jeopardize the natural skuas (Catharacta lonnbergi), sheathbills (Chionis alba), ecological system in the Area; and possibly Antarctic prions (Pachyptila desolata) and • any management activities are in support of the black-bellied storm petrels (Fregatta tropica). objectives of this Management Plan; Michelsen Island is the longest known breeding site in the actions permitted are in accordance with this the Antarctic of fur seals since their near extermination in Management Plan; the nineteenth sentury. The number of pups born annually the Permit must be carried within the Specially has increased slowly but fairly steadily from 11in1956 to Protected Area; about 60 in 1989. Thiny-four live pups were recorded in • a repon or repons are supplied to the authority or January 1994. Many non-breeding males visit the Area authorities named in the Permit. during the summer. Other seals are frequent on the beaches, mainly elephant seals ( Mirounga leonina) and 7 (i) Access to and movement within the Area Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii). Leopard seals Anchoring within Falkland Harbour and Ellefsen Harbour (Hydrurga leptonyx) and crabeater seals (Lobodon is prohibited except in emergency. carcinophagus) are occasionally seen on ice floes. No pedestrian routes are designated within the Area, 6 (ii) Restricted zanes within the Area but persons on foot should avoid walking on vegetated areas or disturbing wildlife wherever possible. Vehicles None. are not allowed in the Area. 6 (iii) Location of structures within the Area It is forbidden to overfly the Area below 250 m altitude A marker board (erected January 1994) is positioned on above the highest point except for purposes of landing southern Powell Island on top of a small rock outcrop at the (when essential) on the beach on the east side of the back of the shingle beach on the east side of the southern southernmost tip of Powell Island. promontory of the island. 7 (ii) Activities which are or may be conducted within On Michelsen Island the marker board (erected Janu­ the Area. including restrictions on time and place ary 1994) is situated on a low-lying rock about 50 m from Compelling scientific research which cannot be un­ the shoreline at the back of a high shingle beach at the dertaken elsewhere; southern tip of the island. Essential management activities, including monitor­ On Christoffersen Island the marker board (erected ing. January 1994) is located on a small promontory on the 7 (iii) Installation, modification or removal ofstructures nonh-eastern shore of the island at the entrance to Falkland Harbour. The board is located at the back of the beach just No structures are to be erected in the Area. or scientific below a small Adelie penguin rookery. equipment installed, except for essential scientific or man­ On Fredriksen Island a marker board (erected January agement activities, as specified in the Permit. 1994) is located at the nonhem end of the pebble boulder 7 (iv) Location offield camps beach on the western side of the island, below a small Parties shall not camp in the Area, except in an emergency chinstrap penguin rookery. The board is at the back of the for reasons of safety. In this case, tents should be erected beach· on top of a small rock outcrop. having regard to causing the least damage to the vegetation There are no other structures within the Area, but or disturbance to fauna. various mooring chains and rings associated with the use 7 (v) Restrictions on materials and organisms which ofEllefsen and Falkland harbours by floating whale facto­ may be brought into the Area ries in ·the 1920s are to be found on the shore. No living animals or plant material shall be deliberately 6 (iv) Location of other Protected Areas within close introduced into the Area. proximity No poultry products, including food products contain­ SPA No 13,Moeisland, and SPA No 14, Lynch Island, are ing uncooked dried eggs, shall be taken into the Area. about 35 km west by south and about 35 km west of the No herbicides or pesticides shall be brought into the Area respectively. SPA No 18, Nonh Coronation Island, Area. Any other chemicals, which may be introduced for

t2 JULY 1996 a compelling scientific purpose specified in the Permit, All non-human wastes shall be removed from the Area. shall be removed from the Area at or before the conclusion Human waste may be deposited in the sea. of the activity for which the Permit was granted. 7 (ix) Measures that may be necessary to ensure that the Fuel, food or other materials are not to be deposited in aims and objectives of the Management Plan the Area, unless required for essential purposes connected continue to be met with the activity for which the Permit has been granted. All Permits may be granted to enter the Area to carry out such materials are to be removed when no longer required. biological monitoring and site inspection activities, which 7 (vi) Taking or harmful interference with native flora may involve the collection of small amounts of plant and fauna material or small numbers of animals for analysis or audit, or to erect or maintain notice boards, or to carry out This is prohibited except in accordance with a Permit. protective measures. Where animal talcing or harmful interference is involved 7 (x) Requirements for reports this should be in accordance with SCAR Code of Conduct for Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes in Antarctica, The Principal Permit Holder for each issued Pennit shall as a minimum standard. submit a report of activities conducted in the Area using the accepted Visit Report form. This report shall be 7 (vii) Collection and removal of anything not brought submitted to the appropriate authority orauthorities named into the area by the Permit holder in the Permit as soon as practicable, but not later than 6 Material may be collected or removed from the Area only months after the visit has taken place. Such reports should in accordance with a Permit, except that debris of man­ be stored indefinitely by the appropriate authority and made origin may be removed from the beaches of the Area made accessible to interested Parties, SCAR, CCAMLR and dead or pathological specimens of fauna or flora may and COMN AP if requested, to provide the documentation be removed for laboratory examination. of human activities within the Area necessary for good 7 (viii) Disposal of waste management.

Measure 2 (1995)

Management Plan for Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) No. 11

TRAMWAY RIDGE, MT EREBUS, ROSS ISLAND

1. Description of Values to be Protected 2. Aims and Objectives The lower end of Tramway Ridge was originally desig­ Management of Tramway Ridge aims to: nated in Recommendation Xlll-8 (1985, SSSJ No 11) after • avoid degradation of, or substantial risk to, the val­ a proposal by New Zealand on the grounds that the Area ues of the Area; supports an unusual ecosystem of exceptional scientific • prevent unnecessary human disturbance to the Area; value to botanists, physiologists and microbiologists. • permit research on the unique vegetation and micro­ Mount Erebus (3749 m) is one of only three known high bial communities while ensuring they are protected altitude localities of fumarolic activity and associated from over-sampling; vegetation in the Antarctic. Tramway Ridge is an ice-free minimise the possibility of introduction of alien area of gently sloping warm ground 1.5 km to the north­ west of the main crater of Mt Erebus, located at an plants, animals and microbes to the Area; elevation of between 3350 and 3400 m. The single, as yet • preserve a part of the Area, which is declared a unidentified, moss species found in the Area is unusual in Restricted Zone, as a reference site for future studies~ that it persists in the protonematal stage. An unusual • permit visits for management purposes in support of variety of a common thermophilic cyanobacterium is the objectives of the management plan. especially noteworthy. The plant communities which 3. Management Activities have developed on the fumarolic soils within the Area differ significantly from those found elsewhere in Antarc­ The following management activities are to be undertaken tica. The regional uniqueness of the communities is of to protect the values of the Area: substantial scientific interest and value. The very limited • Durable wind direction indicators should be erected geographical extent of the ecosystem, its unusual biologi­ close to the designated helicopter landing site when­ cal features, its exceptional scientific values and the ease ever it is anticipated there will be a number of land­ with which it could be disturbed through trampling or alien ings near the Area in a given season. These should introductions, are such that the Area requires long-term be replaced as needed and removed when no longer specia1 protection. required;

13 SCARBULLETIN NO. 122

• Markers, which should be clearly visible from the air 4. Period of Designation and pose no significant threat to the environment, Designated for an indefinite period. should be placed to mark the helicopter landing pad; • A line of flags should be placed to mark the preferred 5. Maps snowmobile route (Map A) between the USAP Up­ Map A: Tramway Ridge, Mt Erebus, location image map. per and Lower Erebus Huts, which should pass no Image is rectified by a fine transformation and scale closer than 200 m to the Area; is approximate. Photography USGS/DOSLI • Signs illustrating the location, boundaries and clearly (SN7842) 11 November 1993. [Not reproduced stating entry restrictions shall be placed on posts here.] marking the boundaries of the Area; Map B: Tramway Ridge, protected area orthophotograph. • Signs showing the location of the Area (stating the Orthophoto and protected area boundary coordi­ special restrictions that apply) shall be displayed nates are tied to the Camp Area Plane Datum 1981, prominently, and a copy of this Management Plan a local framework, using the WGS72 spheroid. Pre­ should be kept available in all the research hut cise OPS coordinates for the site will differ: these facilities close to the summit of Mt Erebus; were unavailable at the time of mapping. Photogra­ • Markers. signs or structures erected within the Area phy US Navy (SN6480) 9 February 1980. [Not for scientific or management purposes shall be main­ reproduced here.] .tained in good condition; Map C: Tramway Ridge, protected area map. Contours Visits shall be made as necessary (no less that once are derived from a digital elevation model generated every five years) to assess whether the Area contin­ using a 10 m grid for the orthophotograph in Map B: ues to serve the purposes for which it was designated accuracy ±2 m. Precise area of warm ground is and to ensure management and maintenance meas­ subject to variation seasonally and inter-annually. ures are adequate; Figure 1: Perspective view of the Tramway Ridge area National Antarctic Programmes operating in the from an elevation of 6200 m, 5000 m out from the region shall consult together with a view to ensuring Area at a bearing of215°SW, showing the protected these steps are carried out. area boundary, the location of the USAP Erebus

Contour interval: 2 m I I I I I 0 moires 100 Area of warm ground subject lo change

Map C. Tramway Ridge, Mt Erebus: Specially Protected Area

14 JULY 1996

huts, and the preferred helicopter landing site and for future comparative studies, while the southern half of snowmobile route. Image source: Map A. [Not the Area (which is essentially similar in biology, features reproduced here.] and character) is available for research programmes and sample collection. The south boundary of the Restricted 6. Description of the Area Zone is defined by a line that bisects the Area into two 6 (i) Geographical coordinates and natural features halves (Map B), and is marked at both ends by signposts. The boundary of the designated Area is defined as a square This boundary may be identified on the ground approxi­ of 200 m by 200 m which encompasses most of the warm mately as an extension westwards of the south ridge line of ground area of Lower Tramway Ridge (77°31'05"S; lower Tramway Ridge. The other three boundaries of the 167°06'3"E: Map B). The Area is divided into two parts of Restricted. Zone are defined by the boundaries of the Area. almost equal size, the northern half being a Restricted Access to the Restricted Zone is strictly prohibited until Zone. The boundaries of the Area and the Restricted Zone such time as it is agreed by management plan review that (marked by signposts at each corner) and prominent fea­ access should be allowed. tures are shown on Map B. Several boundary signposts 6 (iii) Location of structures within the Area have been offset owing to dangerous ground at the actual Signposts mark the comer points of the boundaries. The comer point. USAP Lower and Upper Erebus Huts are located approxi­ The Area is in general on a gentle slope of about 5°, mately 1 km to the north-east (3400 m) and south-east with much of the ice-free ground in the form of terraces (3612.5 m) respectively. which have a typical vertical height of about 0.5 m and 6 (iv) Location of other Protected Areas within close steeper sides of up to 30° in slope. The steep sides of the proximity terraces have the maximum development of crusts of vegetation, and it is from these sides that visible steam None. .· emissions occur. Visible vegetation covers about I 6o/o of 7. Permit Conditions the Area. Low ice hummocks of up to about 1 m high are Permits may be issued only by an appropriate national distributed over the Area where steam has frozen. Surface authority. Conditions for issuing a Permit to enterthe Area ground temperatures are up to about 75°C. are that: The steam-warmed lithosols in the Area provide an it is issued only for scientific study of the ecosystem, unusual habitat of limited extent. The acid reaction of the or for a compelling scientific or management pur­ soils, the constant supply of moisture by condensation of pose that cannot be served elsewhere; steam and the regular supply of geothermal heat produce access to the Restricted Zone is prohibited; conditions which contrast markedly with most Antarctic • the actions permitted are not likely to jeopardise the soils. There is no evidence of the presence of micro­ natural ecological system or scientific values of the invertebrate animals in the soils. The vegetation com­ Area; prises protonematal moss and diverse microalgae, which • any management activities are in support of the has developed on the fumarolic soils and differs signifi­ objectives of the Management Plan; cantly from other Antarctic plant communities. The single • the actions permitted are in accordance with this moss species, which has not yet been identified, is unusual Management Plan; in that it has never been seen to produce leaves but persists • any permit issued shall be valid for a stated period. in the protonematal stage. The vegetation occurs in zones 7 (i) Access to and movement within the Area related to surface temperature. Warmest ground, from about 35-60°C, is colonised by dark blue-green and red­ Landing of helicopters within the Area is strictly prohib­ dish-brown mats of cyanobacteria, whereas cooler sur­ ited. Helicopter overflight of the Area should be avoided, faces of about I 0-30°C are dominated by green crusts of except for essential scientific or management purposes coccoid chlorophytes and moss protonema. Bare ground when helicopters shall in no instance fly lower than 30 m lacking a macroscopically visible vegetation occurs be­ above the ground surface of the Area. Use of helicopter tween 0-20°C. smoke bombs is strictly prohibited within 200 m of the The algal flora comprises four cyanobacteria and 11 Area and is discouraged nearby. For short duration visits coccoid chlorophytes. The presence of a thermophilic which do not require camp establishment , access by cyanobacterium is especially noteworthy as it is an unu­ helicopter should be to a designated landing site, located sual variety of the hot springcyanobacterium Mastigocladus outside of the.Area and 300 m to the north-west (Map A laminosus, which is commori elsewhere in the wor]d. and Figure I). For visits which require camp establish­ Thermophilic bacteria have been isolated at 60°C. These ment, helicopter access should be to the USAP Upper or Lower Erebus Huts, and thence on foot or by land vehicle include heterotrophic and a thiosulphate-utilising to the edge of the Area at Tramway Ridge. Landing of autotrophic species. helicopters at other sites close to the Area is strongly 6 (ii) Restricted zanes within the Area discouraged. Only those persons specifically authorised The northern half of the Area is designated a Restricted by Permit are allowed to enter the Area. No special Zone in order to preserve part of the Area as a reference site restrictions apply to the land or air routes used to move to

15 SCAR BULLETIN NO. 122

and from the Area although those travelling between the materials are not to be stored in the Area, unless required Upper and Lower Erebus Huts should keep to the preferred for essential purposes connected with the activity for snowmobile route and stay at least 200 m from the pro­ which the Permit has been granted. All such materials tected area boundary. introduced shall be for a stated period only, shall be Access into the Area shall be on foot and land vehicles removed at or before the conclusion of that stated period, are prohibited. Visitors should avoid walking on visible and shall be stored and handled so that the risk of their vegetation and, as far as practicable, areas of warm ground. introduction into the environment is minimised. Visitors ·should be aware that walking in the Area can 7 (vi) Taking of or harmful interference with native compact soil, alter temperature gradients (which may flora and fauna change rates of steam release), and break thin ice crusts Taking of or harmful interference with native flora and which may form over warm ground, with resulting damage fauna is prohibited, except in accordance with a Permit. to soil and biota below. The presence of snow or ice Where animal taking or harmful interference is involved surfaces is not a guaranteed indication of a suitable path­ this should be in accordance with SCAR Code of Conduct way: therefore every reasonable effort should be made to for the Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes in Antarc­ minimise the effects of walking activity. Pedestrian traffic tica, as a minimum standard. should be kept to the minimum necessary consistent with the objectives of any permitted activities. 7 (vii) Collection and removal of anything not brought into the area by the Permit holder 7 (ii) Activities which are or may be conducted within ·the Area, including restrictions on time and place Material may be collected or removed from the Area only in accordance with a Permit. Material of human origin, not • Scientific research which will not jeopardise the brought into the Area by the Permit Holder, but which is ecosystem of the Area; likely to compromise the values of the Area, may be • Essential management activities, including monitor­ removed from any part of the Area, including the Re­ ing; stricted Zone. Entry to the Restricted Zone is prohibited. 7 (viii) Disposal of waste 7 (iii) Installation, modification or removal ofstructures All wastes, including all human wastes, must be removed No structures, except for boundary markers and signs, are from the Area. Excretion of human wastes is prohibited to be erected in the Area, except as specified in a Permit. within the Area. All scientific equipment installed in the Area must be approved by Permit and clearly identified by country, 7 (ix) Measures that are necessary to ensure that aims name of the principal invesligatur and year of installation. and ohjer:tives of the Management Plan continue All such items should be made of materials that pose to be met minimal risk of contamination of the Area. Removal of 1. The Permit, or an authorised copy, must be carried specific equipment for which the Permit has expired shall within the Area. be the responsibility of the authority which granted the 2. Permits may be granted to enter the Area to carry out original Permit. biological monitoring and site inspection activities, 7 (iv) Location offield camps which may involve the collection of small samples for analysis or audit, or to erect or maintain sign­ Camping required for work in the Area should be near the posts, or protective measures. existing USAP Upper or Lower Erebus Hut sites, and is 3. To help maintain the scientific value derived from discouraged anywhere within 500 m of the boundaries of the unique communities found at Tramway Ridge the Area (Map A). visitors shall take special precautions against intro­ 7 (v) Restrictions on materials and organisms which ductions, especially when visiting several thermal ·may be brought into the Area regions in a season. Of particular concern are micro­ To avoid compromising the microbial ecosystem for which bial or vegetation introductions sourced from: this site is protected no living animals, plant material or • thermal areas, both Antarctic and non-Antarctic; micro-organisms shall be deliberately introduced into the • soils at any other Antarctic sites, including those Area and precautions shall be taken against accidental near stations; introductions. No herbicides or pesticides shall be brought • soils from regions outside Antarctica. into ·the Area. Any other chemicals, including radio­ To this end, visitors shall take the following measures nuclides or stable isotopes, which may be introduced for to minimise the risk of introductions: scientific.or management purposes specified in the Permit, (a) Any sampling equipment or markers brought into shall be removed from the Area at or before the conclusion the Area shall be sterilised and maintained in a of the activity for which the Permit was granted. sterile condition before being used within the Area. Fuels are notto be brought into the Area. Food shall not To the maximum extent practicable, footwear and be consumed within the Area. Equipment and other other equipment used or brought into the Area

16 JULY 1996

(including backpacks or carry bags) shall be thor­ Parties should ensure that the principal holder of each oughly cleaned or sterilised and maintained in this permit issued submit to the appropriate authority a report condition before entering the Area; describing the activities undertaken. Such reports should (b) Sterilisation should be by an acceptable method, include, as appropriate, the information identified in the Visit Report form suggested by SCAR. Parties should such as by UV light, autoclave or by washing maintain a record of such activities and, in the Annual exposed surfaces in 70% ethanol solution in water; Exchange of Information, should provide summary de­ (c) Sterile protective overclothing shall be worn. The scriptions of activities conducted by persons subject to overclothing shall be suitable for working at tem­ their jurisdiction, in sufficient detail to allow evaluation of peratures of -20°C or below and comprise at a the effectiveness of the management plan. Parties should, minimum sterile overalls to cover anns, legs and wherever possible, deposit originals or copies of such body and sterile gloves suitable for placing over the original reports in a publicly accessible archive to maintain top of cold-weather gloves. a record of usage, to be used in any review of the manage­ 7 (x} Requirements for reports ment plan and in organising the scientific use of the Area.

Annex to Measure 3 (1995)

Management Plan for Specially Protected Area No 24

POINTE-GEOLOGIE ARCHIPELAGO

Jean Rostand, Alexis Carrel, Lamarck and Claude Bernard Islands, Bon Docteur Nunatak and Marine Emperor Penguin Breeding Colony

L Description of V aloes to be Protected in the Convention on Conservation of Antarctic Marine Four islands and the breeding site of Emperor penguins are Living Resources Ecosystem Monitoring Programme proposed for a new Specially Protected Area on the ground (CCAMLR CEMP) in order to achieve the Convention's that it provides a representative sample of aesthetic, bio­ requirements. logical and geological values of terrestrial Antarctic eco­ systems. One Mammal species, Weddell seal 2. Aims and Objectives (Leptonychotes weddellii) and various bird species are Management of Pointe-Geologie area aims to: nesting here: Emperor penguin (Aptenodytes forsieri); prevent unnecessary disturbance on the area face to South Polar skua (Catharacta macconnicki); Adelie pen­ the growing flux of cruising tourist ship; guin (Pygoscelis adeliae); Wilson's storm petrel; • permit research of a compelling scientific nature ( Oceanites oceanicus ); Southern giant petrel ( Macronectes which cannot be served elsewhere; giganteus); Snow petrel ( Pagodroma nivea); Cape petrel • avoid major change to the structure and composition (Daption capensis). of flora and fauna and the association of different Well-marked hills display asymmetrical transverse species of vertebrates harboured in the area, which profiles with gently dipping northern slopes compared to therefore constitutes one of the most representative the steeper southern ones. The terrain is affected by for both faunistic and scientific interest on Adelie numerous cracks and fractures leading to very rough surfaces. The basement rocks mainly consist of sillimanite, coast~ • permit research on ethological, ecological, physi­ cordierite and garnet-rich gneisses which are intruded by abundant dikes of pink anatexites. The lowest parts of the ological and biochemical programmes in progress islands are covered by morainic boulders (from a few especially those related to demographic monitoring centimetres to more than a metre across). and impact ass~ssment of surrounding human activi­ Long-term research and monitoring programmes have ties comprising tourism. Physiology and biochemis­ been continuing a long time already (since 1952 or 1964 try programmes relating to fasting mechanisms and according to the species). A database implemented in thermogenesis of emperor penguins could be pur­ 198 I is directed by CEBC (Centre d'Etudes biologiques de sued in compliance with permit provisions; Chize). • permit research in geology with particular attention The Emperor penguin breeding colony is a site of to programming visits, especially when thermo­ Special Scientific Interest which could further be included mechanical means for sampling are required.

17 SCAR BULLETIN NO. 122

3. Management Activities The area consists of the southernmost exposure of The Plan is kept under review to ensure that the values of Pointe-Geologie Archipelago, between Petrels Island and the area are wholly protected. Any direct management the western edge of Astrolabe Glacier. It is a very large ice­ action to the area would be subject to an environmental free ground within Adt\lie Land. impact assessment before being undertaken. As a whole, the surface of the rock outcrops does not 2 Inspection visit are restricted to essential management exceed 2 km • The highest points are distributed along purposes. north-east-south-west ridges (Cl Bernard Island: 47.6 m; J B Lamarck Island: 22.2 m; J Rostand Island 36.39 m; 4. Period of Designation Carrel Island: 28.24 m and Bon Docteur Nunatak: 28.50 The Area is designated for an indefinite period. m). During the summer, only the southern flanks of the islands are still covered by compressed snow caps. There S .. Maps are no boundary markers since natural features delimit the Map 2 shows with dotted lines location of each island and wholly protected islands. However, markers could further other zones of the area inside Pointe-Geologie Archi­ be set up in Bon Docteur Nunatak. No tracks or roads exist pelago. in the area. 6 .. Description of the Area 6 (ii) Identification of restricted or prohibited zones 6 (i) Geographic coordinates, boundary markers and Access to every part of the area is prohibited unless natural features authorised by a permit. Jean Rostand, Alexis Carrel, Lamarck and Claude Bernard Location of breeding colonies is shown on the map. islands, Bon Docteur Nunatak and Emperor penguins The birds are present in colonies from October to March, breeding colony are situated in the heart of Pointe-Geologie

Archipelago, coastal area of Adelie Land (66°39'30" - 140'01-:!0" ColclniM af 66°40'30"S; 140-140°02'E). 0 Ad619~ ...... • Soufl9TI _ gilnl ~ &Ml1'00"8 a_,," --l.wdrlg pcS1I

90•e

P6tre1S I ....,

,,.. ,...

DUMONT OVRVILLE ~~I I .... ; i' - \ ; """'' ~I Pointe-G6ologie ! ;. .•.t I Map3. Pointe-Geologie Archipelago showing the I Specially Protected Area (dotted lines) and .,. i' avifauna breeding sites. The South polar skua ~S! TERRE ADELIE territories and Wilson's storm petrel nests are ' not marked (see Table I). Additional access for Maps I and 2. Location maps for Pointe-Geologie terrestrial vehicles to the continent(Bon Docteur Archipelago Specially Protected Area. Nunatak) is indicated with large arrows.

18 JULY 1996

Table I. Annual breeding area of seabirds in the Specially Protected Area (SPA). The population breeding within the SPA is given compared to the Pointe-Geologie (PG) population (from Thomas 1986).

Birds Emperor Adelie South Snow Cape Wilson's Southern Islands penguin penguin polar skua petrel petrel storm petrel giant petrel

Claude Bernard Island - 3421 5 153 192 178 - Lamarck Island - 1007 I 38 15 45 - Jean Rostand Island - 4793 3 53 18 35 11 Alexis Carrel Island - 4075 6 25 - 72 - Bon Docteur Nunatak - 1961 1 II - 41 - Emperor Penguin Colony 3119 ------

Total 3119 15,257 16 280 225 371 II %SPNPG 100 71 67 36 68 31 79

Table 2. Presence of birds on breeding colonies

Emperor Ade lie South Snow Cape Wilson's Southern penguin penguin polar skua petrel petrel storm petrel giant petrel

First arrival March October October September October November July First laying May November November November November December October Last departure January March March March March March April

Table 3. Sensitivity to human disturbance and status of the Pointe-Geologie populations.

Emperor Adelie South Snow Cape Wilson's Southern penguin penguin polar skua petrel petrel storm petrel giant petrel

Sensitivity to High Medium Low Medium High High High human disturbance Status 1952-84 decreasing increasing stable ? ? ? decreasing Status 1984-93 stable increasing stable stable stable ? stable

except emperor penguins, which breed in winter (Table 2). The south-eastern part of Jean Rostand Island is desig­ Their sensitivity to human disturbance varies depending nated as a Restricted Zone in order to preserve the remain­ on the species (Table 3). The implantation of the Dumont ing breeding colony of Southern giant petrels. All access d'Urville station has resulted in a drastic decrease of the to the Restricted Zone is prohibited during the breeding populations of emperor penguins and southern giant pet­ period from August to February. The access is restricted rels in Pointe-Geologie Archipelago. For the last ten years to one ornithologist permit holder in order to monitor the the breeding areas of these birds have been protected and population three times each year. The boundary of the the populations are now consecutively stable (Table 3). Restricted Zone is defined by a 20 m wide buffer zone No one, except permit holders, is allowed to approach around the colony and is marked on the soil. The prohibi­ or to disturb the Emperor penguin colony in any manner tion of access to the Restricted Zone· shall be for an when eggs are incubating from mid-July, to mid-Decem­ indefinite period, but shall be subject to re-evaluation each ber when the chicks fledge. The particularly sensitive time the Management Plan is reviewed. Emperor penguins are equally protected beyond the defi­ 6 (iii) Location of structures in the Area nite limits of their breeding area since the colony is not Provost hut and a' shelter are located on Rostand Island. always located in the same place. There are no other buildings anywhere else in the Area.

19 SCAR BULLETIN NO. 122

6 (iv) Location in or nearthe area of other "Antarctic • fuel, food and other materials are not to be deposited Specially Protected Areas" or "Antarctic Specially in the area, unless required for essential purposes Managed Areas" connected with the activity for which the permit has The region nearby is being considered for an "Antarctic been granted. Such materials introduced are to be Specially Managed Area" (ASMA) including Dumont removed when no longer required. Permanent de­ d'Urville station and other surrounding areas of activities. pots are not permitted. 7, Conditions under which Permits may be granted 7 (vi) The taking of or harmful inteiference with flora and fauna 7 (i) Access to and movement within the Area Taking of or harmful interference with native flora and No helicopters, nor terrestrial vehicles are authorised fauna is prohibited except in accordance with a permit. within the Area. No overflights over the Area, either by Where animal taking or harmful interference is involved, helicopters or other aeroplanes are authorised. this should be in accordance with the SCAR Code of Access to the area is therefore only permitted by foot or Conduct for the Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes in by zodiacs (in summer). Antarctica, as a minimum standard. However, very rare departures of terrestrial vehicles 7 (vii) The collection or removal ofanything not brought from Bon Docteur Nunatak are allowed, but only when into the Area by the permit holder sea-ice conditions hinder from proceeding otherwise and with special attention to the presence of birds in the area. Collection or removal of anything not brought into the Access to and movement within the area shall, in any Area by a permit holder is prohibited unless specified in case, be limited in order to avoid unnecessary disturbance the permit for scientific or management purposes. How­ to birds, especially by crossing their pathways and to ever, debris of man-made origin may be removed from the ensure that breeding areas or their access are not damaged area and dead or pathological specimens of fauna or flora or endangered. may be removed for laboratory examination. 7 (ii) Activities which are or may be conducted within the 7 (viii) The disposal of waste Area, including restrictions on time and place All non-human wastes shall be removed from the Area. • compelling scientific activities which cannot be con­ 7 (ix) Measures that may be necessary to ensure that the ducted elsewhere and for necessary management aims and objectives ofthe Management Plan can activities with regard to the special provisions relat­ continue to be met ing to emperor penguins and the Restricted Zone of Permits may be granted to enter the Area to carry out southern giant petrels (see 6.ii). monitoring, other scientific programmes and site inspec­ visitors granted entry in the Area by a permit shall tion activities, which may involve the collection of small ensure that no disturbances will occur from their amounts of biological materials and animals. visits to monitoring programmes. Permits shall specify the maximum number of persons 7 (iii) Installation, modification or removal of structures allowed entry at one time. No structures are to be erected in the area or scientific Visits to the Area should be kept to the minimum equipment installed except for essential scientific or man­ necessary to achieve the scientific and management objec­ agement activities as specified in the permit. tives. 7 (iv) The location offield camps 7 (x) Requirements for reports of visits to the Area Only safety tents should be erected with the intent of Parties should ensure that the principal holder of each causing the least damage or disturbance to fauna. permit issued submit to the appropriate authority a report 7 (v) Restriction on materials and organisms which describing the activities undertaken. Such reports should may be brought into the Area include, as appropriate, the information identified in the • no living animals or plant materials shall be deliber­ Visit Report form suggested by SCAR. Parties should .ately introduced into the Area; maintain a record of such activities and, in the Annual • no poultry products, including food products con­ Exchange of Information, should provide summary de­ taining uncooked dried eggs should be taken into the scriptions of activities conducted by persons subject to ,Area; their jurisdiction, in sufficient detail to allow evaluation of • no chemicals shall be brought into the Area, except the effectiveness of the management plan. Parties should, ·chemicals which may be introduced for a compelling wherever possible, deposit original or copies of such scientific purpose as specified in the permit. Any original reports in a publicly accessible archive to maintain chemical introduced shall be removed from the Area a record of usage, to be used both in any review of the at or before the conclusion of the activity for which management plan and in organising the scientific use of the the permit was granted; Area.

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This material appeared also in Polar Record32 (182): 272-291 (1996)

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