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Australia in the Australian Antarctic Program The Australian Antarctic Division head office is located in Kingston, . (Photo: Wendy Pyper)

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organisational structure

Territories, Environment & Treaties Strategies General Manager Corporate Communications Branch Business Support

Financial Services Operations Support General Manager Center People Support Information & Communications Technology Asset Management Mechanical Engineering Supply Services Antarctic Infrastructure Director Polar Medicine Property & Security Climate Processes & Change Science Chief Scientist Parliamentary & Branch Terrestrial & Nearshore Ecosystems Ministerial Liaison Ecosystem Change Wildlife Conservation & Fisheries Science Planning & Coordination 2 Antarctic Modernisation Modernisation Program Manager Science Technical Support Taskforce Australian Antarctic Data Centre

Our Vision...Antarctica: valued, protected and understood

20 Year Strategic Plan The Australian Government initiated a 20 year Australian Antarctic Strategic © Commonwealth of Plan in November 2013, led by Dr Tony Press, CEO of the Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems Cooperative Research Centre. The plan is focused on the Australian Antarctic Division long term strategic challenges and needs for Australia in the Antarctic and 203 Channel Highway addresses the following issues: Kingston, TAS 7050, Australia • Expanding the role of Tasmania as the gateway for Antarctic expeditions Phone: +613 6232 3209 and scientific research; Email: [email protected] • Ensuring robust and reliable access to the Australian Antarctic Territory (AAT); Editor: Wendy Pyper • Extending Australia’s reach across the AAT; Design: giraffe.com.au • Undertaking nationally and globally significant science; and www.antarctica.gov.au • Exercising influence in the region through the Antarctic Treaty system. The Australian Antarctic Division’s instrument Different phytoplankton species are grown to feed krill in the workshop at its head office.(Photo: Peter Whyte) Australian Antarctic Division’s krill aquarium. (Photo: Peter Whyte)

THE AUSTRALIAN ANTARCTIC DIVISION 3

The Australian Antarctic Division also maintains relationships with Division is part of the Australian nations active in eastern Antarctica and Government and is responsible with other key bilateral partners, to achieve operational, environmental for the Advancement of Australia’s and scientific goals. strategic, scientific, environmental and economic Some 300 permanent staff are employed interests in the Antarctic by at the Australian Antarctic Division’s protecting administering and Kingston headquarters and other researching the region. locations on the waterfront (Tasmania). Unlike many other polar The We manage Australia’s presence and programs, Antarctic Division staff activities in the Australian Antarctic are fully integrated across the areas Australian Territory and the Southern Ocean, and in of science, policy and operations, Antarctic the subantarctic Territory of Heard Island with support from communications Division and McDonald Islands (HIMI) and their and administration personnel. Our adjacent waters. facilities house laboratories for science, electronics and electron microscopy, Our activities include: mechanical and instrument workshops, Established in 1948; • leading a world class science program a krill research aquarium, a herbarium, administers the Australian under the Australian Antarctic Science equipment stores, telecommunications Antarctic program Strategic Plan (2011–12 to 2020–21); infrastructure, and other operational and support facilities. Employs about 300 staff at its • operating three permanent Antarctic Kingston headquarters and research stations (Casey, Davis and The Antarctic Division’s headquarters locations on the Hobart Mawson), a subantarctic research in Hobart is the foundation stone of waterfront in Tasmania station on Macquarie Island, and support facilities in Hobart; Tasmania’s role as a gateway for Antarctic science and logistics and provides a major Employs between 70 • managing a combined sea, air and contribution to the Tasmanian economy and 200 staff at four continental transport capability; through employment, skills development research stations at any one time • administering and managing the and research, and the purchase of goods Australian Antarctic Territory and HIMI; and services. and Procures $14-$20 million of goods In summer up to 500 people travel south and services from around 100 • representing Australia’s interests in to work at our Antarctic and subantarctic Tasmanian businesses annually international Antarctic forums and research stations and to conduct marine negotiations. science. Most people remain for a short Administers an annual time – from weeks to a few months – while Through the Australian Antarctic Division, budget of about Australia engages internationally in small wintering teams will remain up to 15 $100 million for the matters affecting Antarctica; including months. Expeditioners include scientists, Australian Antarctic through the Antarctic Treaty Consultative professionals and tradespeople to run and program Meeting, the Commission for the maintain our stations, voyage management Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living to resupply our stations by ship, aviation Resources (CCAMLR), the Council of teams to support our varied aviation Managers of National Antarctic Programs needs, policy-makers, and media and arts and other international forums. The representatives. Wind turbines at Mawson research station help reduce Australia’s environmental footprint in Antarctica. (Photo: John Smith)

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION ON 4 ANTARCTIC GOVERNANCE

Countries cooperate through a set of agreements known as the Antarctic Treaty system, to govern the Antarctic continent and surrounding Southern Ocean. The Australian Antarctic Division provides scientific and policy advice to Government on Australia’s engagement in these agreements, as well as representing Australia in the international forums of the Antarctic Treaty system.

Antarctic Treaty Madrid Protocol Australia was an original signatory to In 1991, Australia and the other Antarctic the Antarctic Treaty in 1959, alongside Treaty nations signed an historic pact to 11 other nations, and continues to play conserve the Antarctic environment.

a leading role in international Antarctic The Protocol on Environmental Protection Fleming) (Photo: Tony affairs. The Antarctic Treaty establishes to the Antarctic Treaty (known as the Antarctica as a continent dedicated to Madrid Protocol) came into force in peace and science, and puts in place 1998, providing for the comprehensive principles including freedom of scientific protection of the Antarctic environment, investigation, exchange of scientific and declaring Antarctica as a natural information, protection of the positions reserve dedicated to peace and science. of Parties on issues of sovereignty, a ban The Madrid Protocol puts in place a CCAMLR on nuclear explosions or waste disposal, system of environmental principles, Australia is an original signatory of the and rights to conduct inspections measures and standards, which make 1982 Convention on the Conservation of facilities at any time. Each year protection of the Antarctic environment of Antarctic Marine Living Resources. Australia participates in the Antarctic a fundamental consideration in the Decisions relating to the Convention Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM). planning and conduct of all activities in are made by the Commission for the We work closely with fellow Parties the Antarctic Treaty area. Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living to the Treaty to preserve Antarctica’s Resources (CCAMLR), whose secretariat unique environment and ensure good The Madrid Protocol bans mining, and is based in Hobart. governance of the region. requires that all activities be subjected to prior environmental impact assessment. Australia’s priorities are pursued in line Under the Protocol, a Committee for with CCAMLR’s objective to conserve Environmental Protection develops Antarctic marine living resources, where environmental advice and formulates conservation includes rational use. recommendations to the Antarctic Treaty Australia has both fishing and conservation Parties on the implementation of the interests and is active in the meetings of Protocol. Australia plays a leading role in CCAMLR, with a focus on ecosystem this Committee to address existing and conservation, the sustainable harvest of emerging environmental challenges. marine living resources, and establishment of a representative system of marine protected areas within the CCAMLR Convention Area. Heads of Delegations at the 35th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting in 2012, hosted by Australia. (Photo: Richard Jupe)

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION ON ANTARCTIC GOVERNANCE 5

ACAP The multilateral Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) seeks to conserve albatrosses and petrels by coordinating international activity to mitigate known threats to populations of these endangered seabirds. These threats include mortality resulting from interactions with fishing gear, especially longline and trawl, as well as diseases, habitat loss, pollution and climate change.

Through the Australian Antarctic Division the Australian Government is a strong supporter of ACAP, which came into force on 1 February 2004, following the ratification of six Parties (Australia, New Zealand, Ecuador, Spain, the Republic of South Africa and the United Kingdom). The ACAP Secretariat is Activities by Australians in Antarctica or Heard Island (pictured), which involve scientific sampling, interaction with flora or fauna, or entry into protected areas, require a special permit.(Photo: Kate Kiefer) based in Hobart, and is responsible for promoting and coordinating activities under the Agreement.

Environmental The Australian Antarctic Division makes management environmental protection a fundamental of Antarctic consideration in the conduct of our activities own activities. This includes our science activities and all logistic support. Under Australian law administered by In addition to complying with legislation, the Australian Antarctic Division, before the Australian Antarctic Division has in International any activity by an Australian begins place a formal Environmental Management Whaling in Antarctica or at Heard Island, an System (EMS) to manage our interaction Commission environmental impact assessment (EIA) with the environment in a systematic way. The International Whaling Commission must be carried out. On the basis of this Our EMS has operated since 2002 and is (IWC) is responsible for the conservation assessment, the activity may be authorised certified to the Australian / New Zealand and management of whales and whaling. to go ahead. In addition, activities that Standard AS/NZS ISO 14001:2004. The Australian Antarctic Division, through involve scientific sampling, interaction The EMS addresses all the environmentally its Australian Marine Mammal Centre, with flora or fauna, or entry into protected significant issues we have control of provides high quality scientific research areas, require a special permit. These in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean, and advice to the IWC to inform and laws apply to all activities, including those our Australian facilities and our science underpin the policies of the Australian conducted by the Australian Antarctic laboratories and facilities. Government for the protection and Division, Antarctic tourist operators, and conservation of whales. private expeditioners. As required by the Madrid Protocol, similar laws are in place for all other nations active in Antarctica. Australia has been conducting scientific research in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean for over 100 years. Through the Australian Antarctic Science Program, more than 100 Australian and international institutions undertake projects that are focused on the key scientific and policy questions of the Australian Government. These include the role that Antarctica and the Southern Ocean plays in Australian and global climate systems, the consequences of climate- driven changes, and the diversity, structure, function and vulnerability of terrestrial and marine ecosystems in the region.

6 SCIENCE

The Australian Antarctic Science Strategic Our fourth theme, Frontier Science, Australian Marine Plan 2011–12 to 2020–21 outlines our includes projects in any field of research Mammal Centre research priorities conducted through outside the themes, such as astronomy, The Australian Marine Mammal Centre, four thematic areas. The first three geosciences, human biology and based at the Australian Antarctic Division, themes address the priority science medicine, and space weather. Projects is the first national research centre needs of government policy and resource must demonstrate scientific excellence focused on understanding, protecting and management agencies. rather than current policy relevance. conserving the whales, dolphins, seals and dugongs in the Asia-Pacific region. • Climate Processes and Change – aims The science program includes many to improve our understanding of the ongoing observational activities, The Centre coordinates Australia’s marine influence of Antarctica and the Southern including a network of meteorological mammal research expertise to provide Ocean on climate in Australia and within facilities, ionospheric activity monitoring, scientific research and advice to underpin the global climate system. geophysical monitoring (seismic, Australia’s marine mammal conservation magnetic, GPS) and hydrographic and and policy initiatives. The Centre supports • Terrestrial and Nearshore Ecosystems: bathymetric mapping. an extensive research community Environmental Change and throughout Australia, representing over Conservation – looks at the effects of Much of our research is undertaken 20 institutions. It also hosts the National environmental changes on important within larger international programs Marine Mammal Data Portal for the Antarctic and subantarctic land-based such as those of the World Climate collation of national sightings, strandings and coastal ecosystems, and provides Research Programme, International and entangling data. the scientific basis to guide enhanced Whaling Commission, Commission for the For more information see environmental protection of these Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living www.marinemammals.gov.au/home ecosystems. Resources and the Scientific Committee • Southern Ocean Ecosystems: on Antarctic Research. Environmental Change and Conservation – aims to understand the Further information: www.antarctica.gov. impact of climate change on Southern au/science/australian-antarctic-science- Ocean ecosystems, to conserve the strategic-plan-201112-202021 wildlife in the region, to protect marine biodiversity, and to inform management of Southern Ocean fisheries. The Australian Antarctic science program

The Australian Antarctic Science Grants scheme awards over $1 million annually for eligible institutions The Australian Antarctic Science Program supports more About 60 science projects than 70 higher-degree students are undertaken annually through the Australian The science program currently Antarctic Science Program collaborates with some 30 Australian research institutions, and 70 international institutions from more than 20 countries. Australian Antarctic research includes atmospheric science and space weather research. (Photo Justin Chambers) Working with us The Australian Antarctic Science Program supports the involvement of The Australian Antarctic Science Program Australian and international scientists. For example, a recent seven-week sea welcomes and supports involvement by ice voyage brought together some 50 scientists from nine countries to study snow, Australian and international scientists willing sea ice and its associated biology. (Photo: Wendy Pyper) to contribute to advancing Australia’s interests in Antarctica and the subantarctic region. Projects involving collaboration across the Australian and international research communities on larger, integrated science projects are encouraged.

All researchers seeking support from the Australian Antarctic program and/or requiring funding grants need to apply through an online project application form. An application round is held every two years. Applications SCIENCE are assessed by the Antarctic Research 7 Assessment Committee on scientific excellence and against the goals of the Australian Antarctic Science Strategic Plan. For further information contact planning@aad. gov.au

Data Management The Antarctic Treaty provides for the free exchange of scientific information. Australia actively encourages open and timely access to scientific observations and measurement through the Australian Antarctic Data Centre (AADC).

The (AADC) works collaboratively with international centres, networks and Themes and Streams of the scientists to build a sustainable polar data Australian Antarctic Science Program commons (www.polarcommons.org). The AADC also provides:

Theme 1 Theme 2 Theme 3 Theme 4 • Data capture, management and Climate Processes Terrestrial and Southern Ocean Frontier Science analysis services to Antarctic scientists and Change Nearshore Ecosystems: and environmental managers. Ecosystems: Environmental Environmental Change and • Maps and mapping skills to support Change and Conservation logistical operations of the Australian Conservation Antarctic program. • Advice on spatial data collection The Antarctic Trends and Marine methods and developing data ice sheet sensitivity to ecosystems capture software. change change For further information contact [email protected]

Oceans and Vulnerability Wildlife marine ice in and spatial conservation the Southern protection Hemisphere

Atmospheric Human impacts: Southern Ocean processes and prevention, fisheries change mitigation and remediation

Antarctic Protecting palaeoclimate marine biodiversity Australia transports up to 200 passengers to Antarctica each summer, and a limited amount of cargo, via its intercontinental aircraft, an Airbus A319-115LR. (Photo: Nisha Harris)

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research Stations Transport Intracontinental transport includes Australia requires an icebreaking helicopters, fixed-wing light aircraft and On 9 July 1947 Australian National ship to resupply its four stations and overground transport. Helicopters are used Antarctic Research Expedition(s) (ANARE) conduct marine research. Since to assist ship navigation through pack ice, was formed to create research stations 1989 the multi-purpose research and ship to shore carriage of expeditioners in the subantarctic and Antarctic. An resupply ship, Aurora Australis, has and cargo, ship-based support of marine Australian presence was established on fulfilled this role. science, and field-based operations in subantarctic Macquarie Island (54°30’ S As the ship is approaching the Antarctica and the subantarctic region. 158°57’ E) in 1949 and in 1954 Australia’s end of its working life, options for Light aircraft and overground transport first continental station was established future shipping arrangements are ferry passengers and equipment between at Mawson (67°36’ S 62°52’ E). Davis now being investigated. stations and field sites. Light aircraft utilise (68°35’ S 77°58’ E) and Casey (66°17’ ski-ways close to each station. S 110°31’ E) stations were subsequently Australia transports up to 200 passengers established in 1957 and 1969 respectively. to Antarctica each summer, and a limited amount of cargo, using an intercontinental Hobart – Today Australia’s four research stations Airbus A319-115LR. The Airbus was the Australia’s have facilities for power generation, first commercial jet to land in Antarctica Antarctic Gateway sewage works and water making. and required a purpose-built glacial Hobart’s port is an international gateway They also have scientific laboratories, (Wilkins Runway), situated for Antarctic research and tourist vessels. mechanical workshops, a medical about 70 km from . Flights The French vessel L’Astrolabe operates facility, food and equipment storage, take about 4.5 hours from Hobart. out of Hobart and a number of other ships, communications facilities, and living Early in the season flights often operate including Russia’s Kapitan Khlebnikov and quarters – including kitchen, mess, between Christchurch (New Zealand) and China’s Xue Long have visited on their way recreation rooms, library and bedrooms. McMurdo station. In 2013 the Australian to or from Antarctica. About 20 people winter at each station. Government committed $38 million to extend the runway at , Hobart is also the world’s largest precinct In summer the population at all four for Antarctic and Southern Ocean science. stations swells to a total of about 200, which will increase capacity for long-range logistical supply. As well as the Australian Antarctic Division as scientific, building and maintenance it is home to the Institute for Marine programs continue. and Antarctic Studies at the University of Tasmania, the Antarctic Climate and Macquarie Island research station. Casey research station. (Photo: Gregory Stone) (Photo: Chris Wilson) operations 9

Davis research station. Mawson research station. (Photo: Jenny Feast) (Photo: James Bumak)

Mawson research station is 15 days by sea

Davis research station is 12 days by sea

Ecosystems Cooperative Research Centre (ACE CRC), CSIRO, and the secretariats for CCAMLR and the Agreement for the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels.

In 2013 the Australian Government Casey research provided $25 million for the ACE CRC 4838 km station is to continue its world class climate 5475 km 8 days by sea research for another five years. A further $24 million over three years was promised to develop a centre for Antarctic and Southern Ocean research in Tasmania.

Hobart’s Macquarie Wharf 2 was redeveloped and opened in 2013, Macquarie Island providing a biosecure facility for the research station screening and management of all cargo is 4 days by sea 3443 km and equipment moving south. The $2.5 million facility has vermin traps, 1542km impenetrable walls and automatic shutter doors to reduce the risk of introduced species travelling south on DISTANCES ships. The centre also has a cold and cool store, fumigation area, briefing FROM rooms, and warehousing space. HOBART The cruise terminal facilities within the building are used by families and friends to greet and farewell Antarctic expeditioners. Since 1989 Australia has operated the research and resupply icebreaker, Aurora Australis. (Photo: Wendy Pyper)

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Telecommunications Telecommunications personnel run Remote medicine The Australian Antarctic Division operates experiments, maintain telecommunications Our Polar Medicine Unit is a leader in a telecommunications network linking equipment and conduct radio operations. remote medicine and telemedicine. the three Antarctic research stations, The telecommunications network Satellite communication links from Macquarie Island in the subantarctic, field supports Australia’s Antarctic Science Antarctica to medical practitioners at the bases, chartered ships and aircraft, and Program by providing the means for Australian Antarctic Division, and medical the head office complex at Kingston. experiments to be remotely monitored, and dental specialists around Australia, data transferred in an expedient manner, provide critical e-health support to lone The telecommunications system has Antarctic doctors. Narrow bandwidth evolved from the early days of Morse Code and for scientists to consult with their colleagues back in Australia and around networks allow telephone consultation and large valve transmitters to today’s and digital transmission of X-rays, satellite and computer technology, as it the world. The network also enables expeditioners on station to send email, ultrasound and clinical images 24 hours constantly adapts to meet the changing a day. The Polar Medicine Unit has also needs of Australia’s Antarctic program. browse the Internet, and talk on the telephone to friends and family. designed a medical facility in a shipping container so that doctors can deal with Today, the Antarctic telecommunications life-threatening medical and surgical network consists of satellite systems, emergencies on chartered research HF and VHF radio systems, computer vessels in Antarctic waters. networks and telephone systems.

The Australian Antarctic Division’s headquarters in Hobart is the foundation stone of Tasmania’s role as a gateway for Antarctic science and logistics. Australia’s Antarctic Media Program is open to journalists, photographers and film-makers. (Photo: Esmee van Wijk)

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The Australian Antarctic Arts Fellowship enables an artistic interpretation of Antarctica and our research. (Photo: Keldyn Francis)

Media, artists, writers, Exhibitions photographers, educators, and events tourists and explorers all have a The Australian Antarctic Division holds or role to play in telling the stories contributes to a range of exhibitions and events each year. This may include hosting of Antarctica’s special place or facilitating an event and providing on our planet. marketing and media expertise, providing visual material such as posters, banners, photographs and video, and providing MEdia printed material such as fliers, brochures, Our media staff provide information to booklets and magazines. journalists to promote the work of the Australian Antarctic program. Media representatives can also apply to travel to Education Antarctica to report on research activities A comprehensive online teaching in the field and in the Southern Ocean. resource called Classroom Antarctica Australia’s Antarctic Media Program is (http://classroom.antarctica.gov.au/ ) open to: has been developed for grades 5 to 8. Publications Each unit has a selection of activities that Australian Antarctic Magazine is • television and radio journalists teachers can mix and match to meet produced twice a year to inform the and news crews their school, state or national learning Australian and international Antarctic • print journalists and photographers objectives. Printed resources are also community about activities of the available and schools can borrow polar Australian Antarctic program. It is • freelance writers and photographers clothing kits. For more information available online at www.antarctica.gov. • film and documentary makers contact [email protected]. au/about-us/publications/australian- antarctic-magazine or by contacting For more information contact [email protected]. [email protected]. Library The Australian Antarctic Division A range of other publications, reports, Library supports the research brochures and fact sheets are available arts fellowship activities of the Australian Antarctic online at www.antarctica.gov.au/about- The Australian Antarctic Arts Fellowship program and provides a national us/publications enables those with a non-science focus resource of Antarctic and subantarctic to experience Antarctica first-hand so information. The collection includes that they may communicate this unique books, magazines and journals that Website experience and understanding to others. support current scientific themes, and The Australian Antarctic Division historical resources. Researchers and website (www.antarctica.gov.au) hosts The Fellowship takes the form of either individuals with a specialist interest the latest news from the Australian a ship voyage or flight to Antarctica and in the Antarctic may access the Antarctic program, details of all our associated logistical support, including collection by appointment. Please activities, videos, picture galleries, and The Australian Antarctic Division’s headquarters food, accommodation and transport. contact [email protected] shipping and air schedules. You can Applications open every year between also view webcams for our stations, in Hobart is the foundation stone of Tasmania’s role January and March. For more information ship and krill aquarium. see www.antarctica.gov.au/about- as a gateway for Antarctic science and logistics. antarctica/antarctic-arts-fellowship 0° SOUTH AFRICA STATIONS IN ANTARCTICA

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