The International Council for Science SCARbulletin No. 155 OCTOBER 2004

Decisions, Resolutions and Measures p 1 Twenty-seventh Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting Cape Town, South Africa, 24 May – 4 June 2004

Published by the

SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE ON ANTARCTIC RESEARCH

at the

Scott Polar Research Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom SCAR BULLETIN 155

THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR SCIENCE SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE ON ANTARCTIC RESEARCH

SCAR BULLETIN No 155, October 2004

Twenty-seventh Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting Cape Town, South Africa, 24 May – 4 June 2004

Decisions, Resolutions and Measures

The texts of the Decisions and Resolutions adopted at XXVIII ATCM are reproduced here but the texts of appendices and annexes have been omitted. The text of Measure 1 (2004) is reproduced together with a summary of the Management Plan for Antarctic Specially Managed Area No. 2, McMurdo Dry Valleys, Southern Victoria Land. A summary of the Management Plan for Antarctic Specially Managed Area No. 3, Cape Denison, Commonwealth Bay, George V Land, together with Measures 2–4 (2004) will be reproduced in a later issue of the SCAR Bulletin. The full versions of all the Decisions, Measure and Resolutions are on the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat website at http://www.ats.org.ar/

Decision 1 (2004) Revised Rules of Procedure The Representatives, Secretariat Desiring to amend the Rules of Procedure for Antarctic Sessions Treaty Consultative Meetings; Committees and Working Groups Decide: Conduct of Business That the “Revised Rules of Procedure (2004)” attached Languages to this decision shall replace the existing Rules of Measures, Decisions, and Resolutions and Final Report Procedure for Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings with immediate effect. Non-Consultative Parties Antarctic Treaty System Observers Revised Rules of Procedure (2004) Agenda for Consultative Meetings Representation Experts from International Organizations Officers Amendments

Decision 2 (2004) Financial Considerations for the Secretariat of the Antarctic Treaty The Representatives, 2. To approve the expenditure of up to one quarter of Recalling Measure 1 (2003) of the XXVI ATCM on the the forecast budget for 2005/06, annexed to this De- establishment of the Secretariat of the Antarctic Treaty cision, in the 2005/06 financial year subject to the (the Secretariat); availability of sufficient funds; Recalling also Decision 2 (2003) on the provisional 3. That the Executive Secretary shall perform the role application of Measure 1 (2003); previously conferred on the Depositary Govern- Bearing in mind the Financial Regulations for the Secretariat ment with regard to the procedure for the payment of the Antarctic Treaty adopted by Decision 4 (2003); of voluntary contributions adopted in Decision 2 and (2003), paragraphs 6, 7 and 8, except that the Sec- Noting Decision 3 (2004) on the appointment of the first retariat has established an account for its funds, and Executive Secretary, effective on 1 September 2004; the Depositary Government shall then request the Decide: CCAMLR Secretariat to transfer all such voluntary 1. To approve the budget and work program of the Sec- contributions, with interest accrued thereon, to the retariat for 2004/05 annexed to this Decision; Secretariat. SCAR BULLETIN 155

Annex to Decision 2 (2004) e. Development and maintenance of databases Draft Work Programme 2004/05 f. Circulation amongst the Parties relevant information and disseminate information on activities in Antarc- Introduction tica; Management g. Collection, maintenance and publication of ATCM/ a. Executive staff CEP records b. Administrative/technical staff h. Facilitate the availability of information about the Antarctic Treaty system Specific Tasks i. Preparation of reports on the Secretariatʼs activities a. Preparation for the XXVIII ATCM and CEP VIII j. Assisting the review of past Recommendations and b. Support intersessional work of the ATCM and the Measures CEP k. Maintenance and updating of the Antarctic Treaty c. Facilitate exchange of information required under System “Handbook” the Antarctic Treaty and the Protocol Attachment 1: Draft budget 2004/05 (Appropriations) d. Co-ordination and contact with other elements of, Attachment 2: Draft budget 2004/05 (Outputs) and international organizations, on matters relevant Attachment 3: Forecast budget 2005/06 to the Antarctic Treaty system Attachment 4: Scale of contributions 2005

Decision 3 (2004) Appointment of the Executive Secretary The Representatives, 1. To appoint Mr Johannes Huber as Executive Secre- Recalling Article 3 of Measure 1 (2003) regarding the tary of the Secretariat of the Antarctic Treaty for a appointment of an Executive Secretary to head the term of four years, pursuant to the terms and condi- Secretariat of the Antarctic Treaty; and tions set forth in the letter of the Chair of the XXVII Recalling also Articles 4 and 5 of Decision 2 (2003) Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting attached to regarding the procedure for the selection of the this Decision; and Executive Secretary; 2. That this appointment shall commence on 1 Septem- Decide: ber 2004.

Decision 4 Guidelines for Ships Operating in Arctic and Antarctic Ice-Covered Waters

The Representatives: XXVII to the Secretary General of the IMO with a Noting the provisions of Article 10 of Annex IV to the request for them to be considered by the IMO at the Environmental Protocol relating to the design, earliest opportunity; construction, manning and equipment of ships engaged • urge their national representatives to take action at the in or supporting Antarctic operations; IMO to secure the consideration of the Guidelines at Conscious of the increasing levels of shipping, including the earliest opportunity. tourist vessels, operating in the waters of the Antarctic Treaty Area; Desiring to ensure the safety of life at sea and the protection Guidelines for Ships operating in Arctic and of the environment in the Antarctic Treaty Area; Antarctic Ice-covered Waters Noting the intersessional efforts of COMNAP to produce Preamble these Guidelines; Guide Noting the Guidelines should be interpreted as providing Chapter 1 General recommendations, rather than mandatory directions; Noting the IMO Guidelines for ships operating in Arctic Part A - Construction Provisions ice-covered waters and desiring that the IMO amend Chapter 2 Structures those Guidelines to apply them specifically to ships in Chapter 3 Subdivision and stability ice-covered waters in the Antarctic Treaty Area. Chapter 4 Accommodation and escape Decide to: measures • endorse the Guidelines annexed to this Decision; Chapter 5 Directional control systems • transmit the Guidelines through the Chair of ATCM Chapter 6 Anchoring and towing arrangements SCAR BULLETIN 155

Chapter 7 Main machinery Part C - Operational Chapter 8 Auxiliary machinery systems Chapter 13 Operational guidelines Chapter 9 Electrical installations Chapter 14 Crewing Part B - Equipment Chapter 15 Emergency equipment Chapter 10 Fire safety Part D - Environmental Protection and Damage Chapter 11 Life-saving appliances and survival ar- Control rangements Chapter 16 Environmental protection and damage Chapter 12 Navigational equipment control

Resolution 1 (2004) Enhancing Prevention of Marine Pollution by Fishing Activities The Representatives, Noting the actions undertaken by other organizations Aware of the need to enhance the conservations and such as CCAMLR in line with Article 10 of Annex preservation of the Antarctic environment as stated IV of the Madrid Protocol, on Prevention of Marine in the Protocol for Environmental Protection to the Pollution; Antarctic Treaty; Supporting the prevention of marine pollution by fishing Taking into account the existing marine activities within activities; the Antarctic Treaty area, including fishing activities Highly support: Aware the Annex IV of the Madrid Protocol includes The progress achieved by CCAMLR/XXII urging its provisions to be applied to the activities of vessels, Members, which are harvesting in high Antarctic including fishing vessels, in relation to the prevention latitudes, to license only those fishing vessels with at of marine pollutions; least an ice classification standard of ICE-1C.

Resolution 2 (2004) Guidelines for the Operation of Aircraft near Concentrations of Birds in Antarctica

The Representatives, Concentrations of Birds in Antarctica appended to this Recalling Article 3 of the Environmental Protocol which Resolution be used by those engaged in the operation requires that activities in the Antarctic Treaty area of aircraft in the Antarctic. shall be planned and conducted so as to limit adverse Parties should be encouraged to adopt higher standards for impacts on the Antarctic environment; the operation of aircraft near concentrations of birds to Recalling also the requirements of Annex II of the suit their particular needs and circumstances. Environmental Protocol on the Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora; Guidelines for the Operation of Aircraft near Aware of the potential for harmful disturbance to Concentrations of Birds in Antarctica concentrations of birds in Antarctica by the operation of aircraft; 1. Introduction Noting that specific standards for aircraft operations Fixed-wing aircraft and helicopter operations are now may be contained in Antarctic Specially Protected integral to most national Antarctic research programmes, Area (ASPA) and Antarctic Specially Managed Area as well as being used by a small number of commercial (ASMA) management plans; tourist and air transport companies. The potential for Recognizing that some Parties may already have in place harmful disturbance to concentrations of birds makes it more stringent guidelines for the operation of aircraft important to provide pilots with guidelines that would near wildlife; prevent or minimize damaging impacts during overflights. Aware that the scientific data on the impact of aircraft Unfortunately, there is a lack of definitive scientific data on operations on wildlife will continue to improve and which to base firm guidelines for pilots. Moreover, most that guidance on minimum standards should remain of the available research relates to penguins and different under review; species of birds are likely to react in different ways or to Conscious of the need for minimum guidance on the different degrees to over-flights. operation of aircraft near concentrations of birds in order to minimize the impacts of such activities; 2. Background Recommend that: The United Kingdom introduced Working Paper ATCM The Guidelines for the Operation of Aircraft Near XXV / WP-26 at ATCM XXV in Warsaw (2002) to bring SCAR BULLETIN 155 the issue to the attention of Treaty Parties and to propose Location of aircraft operations (other considerations) a particular set of guidelines. The CEP invited COMNAP, • Be aware that concentrations of birds are most often in consultation with SCAR, to review the guidelines, and found in coastal areas. to report back to the CEP. The present paper presents our • Be aware that when operating aircraft in inland areas, conclusions and a recommended set of guidelines. Pending snow and Antarctic petrel colonies are frequently further scientific evidence, these guidelines are considered to found on nunataks. Minimum over-flight distance constitute a reasonable basis for voluntary implementation. should be maintained in such areas. They are based on the practical experience of researchers, • Where practical, landings near to concentrations of including input from SCAR, and on experience derived birds should be downwind and/or behind a prominent from the national operatorsʼ provision of logistics support to physical barrier (e.g. hill) to minimize disturbance. researchers. These guidelines are designed to help aircraft • Avoid Antarctic Specially Protected Areas, unless operations in Antarctica to be undertaken safely with the authorized to over-fly and/or land by a permit issued minimal environmental impact. by an appropriate national authority. For many ASPAs COMNAP recommends that aircraft operations there are specific controls on aircraft operations, which in Antarctica should be planned and carried out in are set out in the relevant Management Plans. accordance with these guidelines to the maximum extent • Follow aircraft flight heights, preferred flight paths and practicable. approach paths contained in the Antarctic Flight Infor- mation Manual (AFIM), in station aircraft operation 3. Guidelines manuals and on relevant charts and maps. Once the guidelines have been adopted, COMNAP envisages Minimum Distances for Aircraft Operations Close to the preparation of Wild Life and Low Flying Avoid- Concentrations of Birds ance Maps for the major airstrips in the Antarctic (e.g. There are many variables in noise levels received on the Marsh, Marambio, Rothera, Mc Murdo). ground during aircraft operations. Determining factors on • Particularly avoid flying toward concentrations of noise levels include flight height, the type of aircraft and birds immediately after take-off and avoid steep bank- engine, the flight profile, the weather and the location. ing turns in flight as these significantly increase the Pilots will need to make their own judgements based on the amount of noise generated. aircraft type, task and operational safety considerations. Unless otherwise specified, for example by an ASPA Timing of aircraft operations management plan or ASMA guidelines, recommended • Most native bird species breed at coastal locations in distances are set out below. It is recognized however that Antarctica between October and April each season. whilst these represent preferred distances, which should During the planning of aircraft operations near to be adhered to the extent possible, operators may already concentrations of birds, consideration should be given have developed guidelines to suit their own particular to undertaking flying activities outside of the main needs and circumstances. breeding and/or moulting periods. • Penguin, albatross and other bird colonies are not to • Where aircraft operations are necessary close to con- be overflown below 2000ft (~ 610 m) Above Ground centrations of birds, then the duration of flights should Level, except when operationally necessary. be the minimum necessary. • Landings within _ nautical mile (~ 930 m) of penguin, • To minimize bird strikes, especially in coastal areas, albatross or other bird colonies should be avoided avoid flying after dark between October and April. At wherever possible. this time of year, prions and petrels are active. These • Never hover or make repeated passes over wildlife birds are nocturnal when breeding and are attracted concentrations or fly lower than necessary. by lights. • Maintain a vertical separation distance of 2000 ft (~ Aircraft operations should be delayed or cancelled if 610 m) AGL and a horizontal separation of 1/4 nautical weather conditions (e.g. cloud base, winds) are such mile (~ 460 m) from the coastline where possible. that the suggested minimum vertical and horizontal • Cross coasts at right angles and above 2000 ft (~610 separation distances given in these guidelines cannot be m) AGL where possible. maintained.

Resolution 3 (2004) Tourism and Non-Governmental Activities: Enhanced Co-operation amongst Parties

The Representatives, Concerned about the increasing trend in Antarctic tourism Desiring to ensure that all such activities undertaken in and the need to ensure more rigorous monitoring and Antarctica are strictly in accordance with the Antarctic control of such activities; Treaty and its Environmental Protocol; SCAR BULLETIN 155

Aware that some individuals may circumvent national 2. Parties exchange information about such activities as legislation by seeking approval for their activities and when they are notified, particularly where there from more than one national authority; are potential implications for other Parties;

Noting that the consultations described below would be 3. Where Parties are notified, or become aware, of an without prejudice to any Partyʼs implementation of activity involving a vessel or aircraft flagged or reg- its own national legislation. istered with another Treaty Party; or where the orga- nizers are nationals of another Treaty Party, that they Recommend that: consult those relevant Parties as appropriate during 1. All Parties nominate to the Secretariat a single con- the process of evaluating such activities and, where tact point for information about tourism and non- applicable, prior to any decision to authorize the ac- Governmental activities in Antarctica; tivity or permit to proceed.

Resolution 4 (2004) Guidelines on Contingency Planning, Insurance and Other Matters for Tourist and Other Non-Governmental Activities in the Antarctic Treaty Area

The Representatives, Concerned at the potential impacts, including the 1. that appropriate contingency plans and sufficient ar- imposition of additional costs, that tourist or other rangements for health and safety, search and rescue non-governmental activities may have on national (SAR), and medical care and evacuation have been programmes, and the risks to the safety of those drawn-up and are in place prior to the start of the involved in search and rescue operations; activity. Such plans and arrangements should not be Desiring to ensure that tourist or other non-governmental reliant on support from other operators or national activities undertaken in Antarctica are carried out in programmes without their express written agree- a safe and self sufficient manner; ment; and Desiring further to ensure that the risks associated with 2. that adequate insurance or other arrangements are in tourist or other non-governmental activities are fully place to cover any costs associated with search and identified in advance, and minimized; rescue and medical care and evacuation. Recalling the “Procedures to be Followed by Organizers And the following guidelines should also be observed in and Operators”, as set out in the Attachment to particular by those organizing conducting activities without Recommendation XVIII-1; the supervision or support in the field of another operator Noting Measure 4 (2004) on “Insurance and Contingency or a national programme: Planning for Tourism and Non-governmental Activities 3. that participants have sufficient and demonstrable in the Antarctic Treaty Area”, and desiring to take experience appropriate for the proposed activity op- certain steps before it enters into effect to promote erating in polar, or equivalent, environments. Such its objectives in addition to recommending further experience may include survival training in cold or guidelines to be followed by those organizing or remote areas, flying, sailing or operating other vehi- conducting activities without the supervision or cles in conditions and over distances similar to those support in the field of another operator or a national being proposed in the activity; programme; Recommend: 4. that all equipment, including clothing, communica- tion, navigational, emergency and logistic equipment That Parties should require those under their jurisdic- is in sound working order, with sufficient backup tion organizing or conducting tourist or other non-gov- spares and suitable for effective operation under Ant- ernmental activities in the Antarctic Treaty Area, for arctic conditions; which advance notification is required in accordance with Article VII (5) of the Antarctic Treaty, to follow 5. that all participants are proficient in the use of such the Guidelines annexed to this Resolution. equipment; 6. that all participants are medically, physically and Guidelines on Contingency Planning, Insurance and psychologically fit to undertake the activity in Ant- Other Matters for Tourist and Other Non-Govern- arctica; mental Activities in the Antarctic Treaty Area Those organizing or conducting tourist or other non- 7. that adequate first-aid equipment is available during governmental activities in the Antarctic Treaty area should the activity and that at least one participant is profi- ensure: cient in advanced first-aid. SCAR BULLETIN 155

Resolution 5 (2004) Establishment of an Intersessional Contact Group to Improve Exchange of Information

The Representatives, that the best use is made of this information in furthering Recalling Article III (1) and Article VII (5) of the Antarctic the principles of the Antarctic Treaty; Treaty and the obligation for the Parties to exchange Recommend that: information; 1. an intersessional contact group be established, con- sisting of interested Parties with the assistance of Conscious of the various obligations under the Protocol the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat, with the following on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty terms of reference: and its Annexes to submit information and annual a) to examine how the process for the exchange of reports; information may be improved to make this process Conscious also of Resolution 6 (2001) and other more efficient, in particular to identify better ways commitments that the parties have made with respect to collate, analyse and circulate the information; to keeping each other informed by the regular or and occasional exchanges; b) to prepare a report on its findings, together with Desiring to ensure that the exchange of information between recommendations, for a decision on the matter by the Parties is conducted in the most efficient way and ATCM XXVIII.

Measure 1 (2004) Antarctic Protected Area System: Management Plans for Antarctic Specially Managed Areas The Representatives, Parties active there; Recalling Article 4 of Annex V of the Protocol on Recommend to their Governments the following Measure Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, for approval in accordance with paragraph 1 of Article 6 providing for the designation of Antarctic Specially of Annex V to the Protocol on Environmental Protection Managed Areas; to the Antarctic Treaty: Noting that the draft Management Plans appended to this That the Management Plans for: Measure have been endorsed by the Committee for • Antarctic Specially Managed Area No. 2, McMurdo Environmental Protection; Dry Valleys, Southern Victoria Land; and Recognizing that these Areas support significant scientific, • Antarctic Specially Managed Area No. 3, Cape Deni- wilderness, ecological, heritage and aesthetic values son, Commonwealth Bay, George V Land, and would benefit from improved coordination between which are annexed to this Measure, be adopted.

Management Plan for Antarctic Specially Managed Area No. 2: McMurdo Dry Valleys, Southern Victoria Land McMurdo Dry Valleys

1. Description of values to be protected and activities largest ice-free region in Antarctica, the Area also contains to be managed relatively diverse habitats compared with other ice-free The McMurdo Dry Valleys are characterized as the largest areas. The Area contains unusual microhabitats and relatively ice-free region in Antarctica with approximately biological communities (such as endolithic and Cryoconite 30% of the ground surface largely free of snow and ice. systems) as well as special geological features and minerals The region encompasses a cold desert ecosystem, whose (for example, salt deposits and desert pavements). Some climate is not only cold and extremely arid (in the Wright of these special geological features contain an extremely Valley the mean annual temperature is –19.8°C and annual long record of natural events. The long-term data sets for precipitation is less than 100 mm water equivalent), but also environmental observations that have been collected in this windy. The landscape contains glaciers, mountain ranges, region are some of the longest in Antarctica. ice-covered lakes, melt-water streams, arid patterned soils These scientific values are of global importance because and permafrost, sand dunes, and interconnected watershed they form a valuable resource for understanding landscape systems that influence the McMurdo Sound marine processes and ice sheet stability. The Area contains unique ecosystem. The Area contains records of past climate and deposits that record planetary change. The soil, rock, is important to the study of climate change. The extreme water, and ice environments and their associated biota climate of the region serves as an important analogue for are of scientific value as model ecosystems. Finally, the the conditions of ancient Earth and contemporary Mars. species that reside in the Area provide a biological resource The Area is characterized by unique ecosystems of low for understanding adaptation to extreme environments, and biodiversity and reduced food web complexity but, as the are true end members of ecological continua. SCAR BULLETIN 155

The Area is also valued for its wilderness quality, 6. Description of the Area representing a nearly pristine environment. The dramatic The McMurdo Dry Valleys are located in southern Victoria landscape creates unique vistas of high aesthetic value. Land along the western coast of McMurdo Sound, southern Activities conducted in the area include a variety of Ross Sea, at approximately 77°S, 162°E. An area of scientific research, science support operations, media, arts, approximately 15,000 km2 is designated as an Antarctic education, and tourism. A Long Term Ecological Research Specially Managed Area (hereafter referred to as the site has been established in Taylor Valley. “Area”) to manage human activities in the valleys, for the protection of scientific, wilderness, ecological, and 2. Aims and objectives aesthetic values. The Area requires special management to ensure that its 6(i) Geographical coordinates, boundary markers, scientific, wilderness, ecological, and aesthetic values are and natural features protected from increasing human activity and potentially The boundaries are defined on the basis of the hydrological conflicting interests. catchments in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, including all of the The specific objectives of management are to: ice-free ground and adjacent areas within these catchments, • Facilitate scientific research while maintaining stew- all of the Convoy Range, and the catchment of the Alph ardship of the environment; River. Boundary markers are not installed. • Assist the planning and coordination of human ac- All geographic coordinates in this Management Plan are tivities to manage conflicts among different values, given in decimal degrees format. activities and operators. • Ensure long-term protection of ecosystem integrity 6(ii) Restricted and managed zones within the Area and special features through minimization of cumula- There are three types of managed zones within the Area: tive environmental impacts of human activities; Facilities Zones, a Tourism Zone, and Special Features. • Minimize possible introductions of alien plants, ani- 6(ii)(a) Facilities Zones mals and microbes; • Promote transportation modes with the least environ- Facilities Zones have been established to contain temporary mental impact; and semi-permanent facilities within pre-defined areas. • Minimize the use of fossil fuels; The following management activities should be • Minimize the footprint of facilities and scientific undertaken for Facilities Zones: experiments, including proliferation of field camps. • Alternative energy sources and energy efficiency should be considered in the planning and maintenance 3. Management activities of activities within the Facilities Zones; • National Programmes should establish a McMurdo • Waste management should be considered in the plan- Dry Valleys Management Group to oversee coordina- ning and maintenance of activities within the Facilities tion of activities in the ASMA. Zone; • National Programmes shall promote the dissemination • Facilities Zones should be periodically assessed for of information. usefulness, improvement or removal; • Ensure personnel have been briefed, particularly on • As appropriate, contingency plans for emergencies the Environmental Code of Conduct. should be developed to take into account the special • Copies of the management plan shall be kept in sta- needs of specific Facilities Zones; tions and huts and be available to all persons. • Facilities Zones should not be located on or in close • Tourism and any other non-governmental activities proximity to Special Features. should be coordinated with National Programmes. 6(ii)(b) Tourism Zone • Visits to evaluate the Management Plan. The Tourism Zone is located in an area of high aesthetic Note that guidelines for the conduct of specific activities value in the Taylor Valley, where safe and easy access and and for specific zones within the Area are found in movement within the area can be reasonably assured with Appendices B, C, D, and E (also see section 7 of this minimal impact to science activities or the environment. Management Plan). 6(ii)(c) Special Features 4. Period of designation Special Features are designated areas which are of Designated for an indefinite period. particularly high scientific value and which are particularly sensitive to human disturbance. 5. Maps and photographs 6(iii) Structures within and near the Area The following maps are included in the plan: The main structures in the Area are located within the Wright Map A: Map of the McMurdo Dry Valleys Area and Taylor valleys, at Marble Point, at Cape Roberts, and Maps B–N: (not reproduced here). at Odell Glacier. SCAR BULLETIN 155

6(iv) Location of other protected areas within the Area for scientific purposes. Material of human origin likely There are four existing ASPAs within the Area. A permit is to compromise the values of the Area may be removed required for entry into these protected areas. They are: unless the impact of removal is likely to be greater than ASPA 123, Barwick and BalhamValleys leaving the material in place. In this case the appropriate ASPA 131, Canada Glacier authority should be notified. ASPA 138, Linnaeus Terrace 7(vii) Waste management ASPA 154, Botany Bay All materials taken into the Area should be collected and removed to the maximum extent practicable. In accordance 7. Code of Conduct with Article 4, Annex III of the Protocol on Environmental The Code of Conduct in this section is the main instrument Protection, wastes shall not be disposed of onto ice-free for the management of activities. areas, into fresh water systems or onto snow or ice which 7(i) Access to and movement within the Area terminate in such areas or have high ablation. Access is normally by helicopter from Ross Island, or 7(viii) Requirements for reports over sea ice via New Harbor or Marble Point. Designated Reports of activities in the Area should be maintained by the helicopter pads should be used for helicopter landings. Management Group and made available to all parties. Overflight restrictions are in place over ASPA 123, ASPA Tour operators should record their visits, including the 131 and ASPA 154. number of visitors, dates, and incidents, and submit these All pedestrian access and movement should minimize data to the Management Coordination Group. disturbance to the soil and vegetated surfaces. The use of vehicles should be restricted to lake ice, or at Marble 8. Provisions for the exchange of information in Point, New Harbor, and Cape Roberts. advance of proposed activities 7(ii) Activities that may be conducted in the Area In addition to the normal exchange of information, Parties These include scientific research; operations in support of operating in the Area should exchange information through science; media, arts, education; management activities; the Management Coordination Group. and tourism visits within the Tourism Zone. All activities should be conducted to minimize 9. Supporting documentation environmental impacts. Alternative energy sources should Publications and Management Plans be used to minimize fossil fuel usage. Management Plans for ASPAs 123, 131, 138, and154. Tour operators should provide visit schedules to National Programmes. Tourism movements should avoid stream Appendix A: crossings and should be confined to the Tourism Zone. Environmental Code of Conduct for the McMurdo 7(iii) Installation, modification, or removal of Dry Valleys structures The McMurdo Dry Valleys ecosystem contains geological Care should be exercised when locating and establishing and biological features that date back thousands to millions installations to minimize their environmental impact. of years. Many of these ancient features could be easily and irreversibly damaged by human actions. Unusual 7(iv) Field camps communities of microscopic life forms, low biodiversity, Field camps are small temporary camps for research and simple food webs with limited trophic competition, severe are generally remote from Facilities Zones. Care should temperature stress, aridity and nutrient limitations are be exercised to minimize the impact of campsites. other characteristics that make the McMurdo Dry Valleys 7(v) Taking or harmful interference with native flora unique. This ancient desert landscape and its biological or fauna communities have very little natural ability to recover from disturbance. Research in such systems must aim to This is prohibited, except in accordance with a permit minimize impacts on land, water and ice to protect them issued under Article 3 of Annex II of the Protocol on for future generations. Environmental Protection. Materials: 7(vi) Collection or removal of material found in the Area • Everything taken into the Area should be removed. • Activities that could result in the dispersal of foreign Material not covered by 7(v) above should only be collected materials should be avoided. or removed for scientific and associated educational purposes or essential management purposes and should be Waste and spill incidents: limited to the minimum necessary for those needs. Any • Water used for ANY human purpose should be re- meteorites taken are to be collected and curated according moved and/or treated in a greywater evaporator (and to accepted scientific standards and to be made available residuals removed). SCAR BULLETIN 155

• All human waste should be collected and removed. • Vehicle oil should be changed only over a drip tray. • Individuals or groups should always carry proper • Any accidental releases of fuel should be cleaned containers for human waste and gray water. up to the greatest extent possible and documented in • Spill incidents should be reported to the appropriate activity reports. National Program. Lakes: • The location of any spill should be recorded in the • Explosives should not be used on a lake. field report. • Vehicles should be used on lake ice only when es- Energy: sential. • Solar and wind power should be used as much as • Ensure that nothing is left frozen into the lake ice that possible. may ablate out and cause later contamination. • Avoid swimming or diving in the lakes, except when Travel operations: approved for scientific purposes. • Ground vehicle usage should be restricted to ice Streams: surfaces, or at Marble Point, Cape Roberts, and New Harbour. • Stream crossings should be avoided; when necessary, • Designated helicopter pads should be used for heli- designated crossing points should be used. copter landings. • Avoid walking in the stream bed to avoid disturbing • Markers that are clearly visible from the air should be the stream biota. used to mark helicopter pads. • Avoid walking near stream sides to prevent erosion. • Helicopter operations should not use smoke bombs, Valley floor and sides: except for essential safety purposes. • Avoid disturbing mummified seals or penguins. • Care should be taken to ensure that helicopter sling • Avoid disturbing long-term soil experiments. loads are properly secured. • Avoid disturbing the raised delta surfaces which mark • Fuel release is to be avoided. ancient shorelines. • When travelling on foot, stay on established trails. • Avoid walking on vegetated areas. High Desert: • Cairns should not be built in the Area. • Beware not to damage delicate rock formations. • Be aware of Special Features and their guidelines. Appendix B: Safety Additional Guidelines for Conduct of Scientific • Individuals or groups should bring sufficient equip- Research ment into the Area to ensure safety. Research activities in the McMurdo Dry Valleys include Field camps: location and set up research on climate, glaciers, streams, lakes, soils, local • Campsites should be located as far away as practical geology and geomorphology. The following prevention from lakeshores, streambeds, Special Features, and and mitigation guidelines for scientific conduct seek to long-term experiments reduce the impact of research activities specific to key • If rocks are moved, they should be replaced in their environments. These guidelines are from: McMurdo Dry footprint, with the salt-encrusted side face-down. Valley Lakes: Impacts of Research Activities (Wharton, R A • Campsites should be re-used wherever possible. & Doran, P T, 1998), the report of an international workshop • Field camp locations should be recorded in the field of scientists conducting research in the Area. report. Sampling and experimental sites • Ensure that equipment and supplies are properly • All sampling equipment should be clean before being secured. brought into the Area. Fuel and chemicals • The location of sampling sites should be recorded in the groupʼs field report. • Steps should be taken to prevent the accidental re- • Do not displace or collect specimens except for sci- lease of chemicals including laboratory reagents and entific and educational purposes. isotopes (stable or radioactive). • Once a sampling hole has been drilled in lake ice or • When using chemicals or fuels, ensure that appropriate a soil pit has been dug, it should be kept clean and all spill kits are available. sampling equipment should be securely tethered. • Chemical and fuel containers should be securely • Avoid leaving markers and other equipment for more positioned and capped. than one season. • All fuel drums should be provided with some form of secondary containment. Scientific installations • Fuel cans with spouts should be used when refueling For scientific installations, including meteorological generators. Generators and vehicles should be refu- stations, geographic monuments, communication repeaters, elled over drip trays with absorbent spill pads. lake monitoring systems, and level recorders: SCAR BULLETIN 155

• Installations should be sited carefully, should be easily • Consider laboratory-based alternatives to in situ ex- retrievable, and properly secured. periments involving any radioisotope, stable isotope, • All installations in the Area should be clearly identified or other tracer. Complete preliminary calculations to by country, name of the principal investigator and year ascertain the potential impact of isotope experiments. of installation. Document and record any introductions. • Installations should be as energy-efficient as possible • Incorporate metal-free haul lines and sampling con- and use renewable energy sources. tainers such as “go-flow” bottles into sampling proto- • Installations should pose minimal risk of harmful cols to minimize metal contamination of the lakes. emissions to the environment. • Promote use of an environmentally friendly substitute • Locations of installations should be recorded. for glycol for use in melting access holes. • Materials liable to shatter at low temperatures should • Minimize the amount of gray water waste by collect- be avoided. Wooden and fabric components in semi- ing the least volume of water and sediment needed for permanent structures should be avoided. research purposes. • Train individuals working on the lake ice to take steps Streams to reduce the loss of equipment through ice holes. • Use flumes rather than weirs. • Provide adequate training for divers and support teams • Use local sand or soil in sandbags when constructing so impacts to the lake environment are minimized. flumes or control structures. • Prior to conducting diving or ROV operations, con- • Document the location of all stream control structures, sider previous diving history at the proposed research biological transects, and instrumentation. site, proximity of other areas of interest, vulnerability • Periodically evaluate in-stream structures for deterio- of the water column and benthos to disturbance. ration, usefulness, and potential removal. • Assemble and maintain records of diving and ROV • Limit the number of tracer and manipulative experi- activities. ments. • Use technological developments that mitigate the • Use only natural tracers and document tracer use. environmental impacts of diving. • Design tracer experiments to limit the movement of tracers in lakes. Soils • Establish specific sites for biomass sampling and docu- • Restore disturbed surfaces as close as possible to ment locations, sampling extent, and frequency. their natural state upon completion of the work. For • Limit biomass sample size to that required for the excavations >1 m2, take photographs prior to breaking planned analyses and archiving. ground as a basis for restoration. Place excavated soil • Develop and apply methods (e.g., spectral analysis) on mats or groundsheets during soil sampling. that do not rely on removal of samples for quantifying • Backfill all excavations to approximate original con- changes in biomass in streams. tour and replace desert pavement where possible. The desert pavement can be skimmed from the surface Lakes prior to digging and kept aside for replacement. • Minimize the duration and extent to which structures • Document the location of all soil sampling sites. are placed on the ice. • Conduct thorough environmental assessment of pro- • Minimize the use of fossil-fuel-powered equipment; posed exogenous amendment experiments. use barriers between equipment and ice; always have • Limit use of mechanical equipment. appropriate spill kits available. • Document the area and the extent to which lake ice Glaciers has been excavated. Areas that have been used for • Minimize the use of liquid water. sampling or accessing the lake should be reused to the • Avoid the use of chemicals on the ice. greatest extent possible. • If stakes or other markers are placed on a glacier, use • Minimize the use of motorized vehicles. the minimum number necessary and label them. • Use extreme caution when driving vehicles. • Provide spill kits on-site where power tools are being • Remove materials from beneath the ice. Do not de- used; refuel using drip pans. posit water and sediment samples on the lake ice. • Properly tune generators to minimize emissions and • Reduce helicopter over-flights after ice surfaces begin use only when necessary. Always place generators to melt and keep landings on lakes to a minimum. and fuel cans in drip pans. • Avoid storage of materials on the lake ice surface. • Use electric chainsaws powered by a four-stroke gen- • Use separate samplers and instruments for each lake to erator for large-scale sawing operations. Avoid using avoid cross contamination. Samplers or instruments chainsaw blade lubricants when cutting cold ice. should be thoroughly cleaned (sterilized if possible) • Upon completion of a research project, remove all prior to re-use in a different lake. materials – wood, metal, and sensors – embedded in • Carefully manage chemical waste, glycol, and all the ice to minimize contamination. liquid wastes to avoid spills. • Use gel cell or other non-spill batteries. SCAR BULLETIN 155

High Desert: • Helicopters should land at least 50m away from each • Only the minimum sample of endolithic community Special Feature. required should be collected. Special Features, including a geographic location, Appendix C: description, and special guidelines: Guidelines for Facilities Zones 1. Prospect Mesa (77.5237°S, 161.8896°E) Facilities Zones include a designated area around the Prospect Mesa contains unique marine deposits. following facilities operated by national programs in the • Avoid walking on top of the mesa unless conducting Area: Lake Vanda Huts, Lower Wright Camp, Bull Pass research activities. Hut, Cape Roberts Camp, New Harbor Camp, F-6 Camp, 2. Argo Gully (77.5197°S, 161.6901°E) Lake Fryxell Camp, Lake Hoare Camp, Lake Bonney This stream section across from Vanda Station is a unique Camp, Marble Point Refuelling Station, Odell Glacier middle-Miocene marine deposit. Camp and Odell Landing Site, and the radio repeater • Avoid walking along the surface edge above the stations at Mt. Newall. Gully. Guidelines for activities in the Facilities Zones include: 3. Boulder Pavement (77.5227°S, 161.7466°E) • Facilities, camping, helicopter pads, and storage of Boulder Pavement is on the Onyx River and contains the materials should be located within the boundaries of most extensive area of microbial mat in the Wright Valley the Facilities Zones; and serves as a biofilter for Lake Vanda. • Existing camping and storage sites within the Facilities • Avoid crossing the Boulder Pavement unless neces- Zones should be re-used; sary for sampling purposes. • Provisions for fuel storage and handling within the • While sampling, walk only on the rocks and avoid sites should take account of the requirements set out trampling the microbial mats. in the McMurdo Dry Valleys ASMA Management 4. Battleship Promontory (76.8996°S, 161.0055°E) Plan; and A sandstone promontory containing rich cryptoendolithic • All wastes should be securely stored until removal. communities. • Avoid damage to these ancient communities and Appendix D: rocks. Guidelines for the Tourism Zone 5. Don Juan Pond (77.5630°S, 161.1896°E) A hypersaline ecosystem containing unique salt Special guidelines for activities within the Tourism Zone deposits. in Taylor Valley by Canada Glacier include: • Avoid walking through the lake and adjacent salt • Tourist movements should be conducted in small, deposits. guided groups; • Do not disturb salt deposits to avoid further deteriora- • Tour operators should ensure that footpaths are clearly tion. marked and that visitors stay on those routes. Markers 6. Trough Lake Catchment (78.2736°S, 163.4652°E) should be removed at the end of each visit; A pristine example of a complete hydrological unit (streams, • Tour expedition landings should be made at a landing ponds, lakes). site at 77.6358°S, 163.0656°E; • Minimize visits to this catchment that has not been • Tents should only be established at the designated site highly visited and is therefore useful as a reference for safety reasons; site with its relatively pristine landscape. • Stream and pond beds should be avoided; and 7. Sand Dune Field (77.3715°S, 162.2205°E), (in • Activities planned and conducted in the Zone should Lower Victoria Valley) accord with ATCM Recommendation XVIII-1. The largest sand dune feature in the Area. • Avoid walking on the dunes. Appendix E: 8. Explorers Cove (77.5770°S, 163.5169°E) Guidelines for Special Features A tidally inundated sand flat characterized by tide The following guidelines apply to the Special Features pools containing unique benthic mats of diatoms and listed in this Appendix. cynobacteria. • Minimize sampling and research activities at or around • Avoid walking in areas of scientific sampling and in Special Features. tide pools after they thaw in mid-November. • All sampling, including type and quantity, should be 9. Mount Feather Sirius Deposit (77.9320°S, recorded in group field reports and provided to the 161.4367°E) appropriate national programme. An important location of Sirius deposits. SCAR BULLETIN 155 SCAR Bulletin SCAR Bulletin, a quarterly publication of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research, is published on behalf of SCAR by Polar Publications, at the Scott Polar Re- search Institute, Cambridge. It carries reports of SCAR meetings, summaries of meetings of SCAR subsidiary groups, notes, reviews, and articles, and material from Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings, considered to be of interest to a wide readership. Selections are re- printed as part of Polar Record, the journal of SPRI, and a Spanish translation is published by Instituto Antártico Argentino, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Polar Record Polar Record appears in January, April, July, and October each year. The Editor welcomes articles, notes and reviews of contemporary or historic interest covering the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities in polar and sub-polar regions. Recent topics have included archaeology, biogeography, botany, ecology, geography, geology, glaciology, international law, medi- cine, human physiology, politics, pollution chemistry, psychology, and zoology. Articles usually appear within a year of receipt, short notes within six months. For details contact the Editor of Polar Record, Scott Polar Research Institute, Lens- field Road, Cambridge CB2 1ER, United Kingdom.Tel: 01223 336567 (International: +44 1223 336567) Fax: 01223 336549 (International: +44 1223 336549) The journal may also be used to advertise new books, forthcoming events of polar interest, etc. Polar Record is obtainable through the publishers, Cambridge University Press, Edinburgh Building, Shaftesbury Avenue, Cambridge CB2 2RU, and from booksellers. Annual subscription rates for 2003 are: for individuals £59.00 ($94.00), for institutions £118.00 ($188.00); single copies cost £31.00 ($49.00).

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