________________________________________

THE MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION COMPENDIUM

MULTILATERAL / ANTARCTICA
Volume(s) 1-3; pages 101-128


_________________________________________________

======================================

Measures Approved or Recommended Under Article IX in Furtherance of Principles and Objectives of the Antarctic Treaty, Oslo, 1975


________________________________


Adopted at Oslo 20 June 1975

Recommendations VIII-6 through VIII-8 and VIII-10 through VIII-14 effective 16 December 1978; Recommendations VIII-3 and VIII-4 effective 1 September 1980; Recommendations VIII-1, VIII-2, VIII-5, and VIII-9 effective 1 November 1982


Primary source citation: 34 UST 2227, TIAS 10486


_________________________________________

[CERTAIN RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE EIGHTH ANTARCTIC TREATY CONSULTATIVE MEETING]

RECOMMENDATION VIII - 3 SITES OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST

The Representatives,

Recalling Article II of the Antarctic Treaty and Recomendation VII-3;

Conscious of the need to protect scientific investigations which might suffer from wilful or accidental interference;

Desiring to protect only sites where harmful interference is generally recognised to be likely;

Recognizing the need to protect such scientific investigations irrespective of their purpose;

Recognizing that a limited number of sites of exceptional scientific interest may require long-term protection from harmful interference;

Noting with appreciation the interim response of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) to paragraph 1 of Recommendation VII-3;

Recommend to their Governments that:

1. They invite SCAR, through their National Committees, to have regard to the following when considering proposals for Sites of Special Scientific Interest:

(a) Sites should only be proposed when:

(i) Scientific investigations are being carried out or are planned to begin before the following meeting of SCAR, and there is a demonstrable risk of interference which would jeopardise those scientific investigations; or

(ii) they are of exceptional scientific interest and therefore require long-term protection from harmful interference;

(b) Sites should be proposed for designation up to a specified date, which may be extended following a review by SCAR;

(c) Proposals for the designation of Sites should be accompanied by a management plan which should include, inter alia, and where applicable, the following details:

(i) a description of the Site, together with a map delimiting its boundaries and where applicable showing any existing or proposed demarcations on the Site;

(ii) a statement setting out the reasons in conformity with paragraphs 1 (a) (i) and (ii) above for designation of the Site;

(iii) a summary of the scientific investigations being carried out or planned;

(iv) the proposed date at which the designation will expire unless extended;

(v) proposed points of access;

(vi) any proposed pedestrian and vehicular routes;

(vii) other kinds of scientific investigation which would not cause harmful interference with the investigations described at paragraph (c) (iii) above;

(viii) whether specific kinds of scientific sampling may take place and guidelines for such sampling;

(ix) any other restraints that may be needed.

2. They invite SCAR, through their National Committees, to initiate review of those Sites whose designation is likely to terminate before the second following Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting;

3. They request their national offices responsible for the administration of Antarctic expeditions to maintain a record of activities within each Site of Special Scientific Interest in which their scientists are active;

4. Persons wishing to visit Sites of Special Scientific Interest should consult their national offices responsible for the administration of Antarctic expeditions;

5. Until such time as the Recommendations designating Sites of Special Scientific Interest become effective in accordance with Article IX of the Antarctic Treaty, they should, as far as possible, be considered as guidelines.

RECOMMENDATION VIII - 4 SITES OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST

INTERIM GUIDELINES

The Representatives,

Recalling Recommendation VII-3;

Noting Recommendation VIII-3;

Noting with appreciation the interim response of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) to paragraph 1 of Recommendation VII-3;

Noting that management plans have been prepared for certain Sites of Special Scientific Interest;

Considering that it would be advantageous to gather experience of the practical effect of management plans for certain sample Sites;

Recommend to their Governments that they voluntarily take account of the management plans annexed to this Recommendation, for the following Sites:

Site No. 1: Cape Royds, Ross Island

Site No. 2: Arrival Heights, Hut Point Peninsula, Ross Island

Site No. 3: Barwick Valley, Victoria Land

Site No. 4: Cape Crozier, Ross Island

Site No. 5: Fildes Peninsula, King George Island, South Shetland Islands

Site No. 6: Byers Peninsula, Livingston Island, South Shetland Islands

Site No. 7: Haswell Island.

SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST NO. 1

CAPE ROYDS, ROSS ISLAND

Management Plan

(i) Description of Site

All that area of Cape Royds west of a line drawn from the south coast of the Cape through Flagstaff Hill to the south eastern tip of Pony Lake, and the west shoreline of this lake; and south of a line drawn from the western extremity of Pony Lake 280° True to the coast. The boundaries, which are demarcated, are shown on the attached map.

(ii) Reason for designation

This area supports the most southerly Adlie Penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) colony known, the survival of which is marginal. The population declined rapidly from 1956 following interference by man until 1963 when United States and New Zealand authorities agreed to restrict activities and develop a management plan for the area. It is considered important to continue study of this colony under controlled conditions, at least until the penguin population has recovered to its estimated normal pre-1956 (pre-man) level.

(iii) Outline of research

A long-term study of the population dynamics began in 1969 and is expected to continue.

(iv) Date of expiry of designation

30 June 1981. (v) Access points

The Site should not be entered during the period of penguin occupation (approximately mid-October to March) except by the marked tracks. Only scientists engaged in the population studies should enter the Site during this period. Visitors to Cape Royds should not enter the Site. Photographs of the colony, except for scientific purposes, should be taken from the boundaries of the Site.

(vi) Pedestrian and vehicular routes

Vehicles should not enter the Site. Pedestrians should keep to the marked tracks and not move through the populated areas except as necessary in the course of scientific investigations. Helicopters and low-flying aircraft should avoid the penguin colony in accordance with the Agreed Measures for the Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora.

(vii) Other kinds of scientific investigations which would not cause harmful interference

Other kinds of scientific investigations should not be undertaken while penguins occupy the Site.

(viii) Scientific sampling

Taking samples of the bird population by killing, capture, or taking of eggs should be done only for a compelling scientific purpose and in accordance with the Agreed Measures for the Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora.

(ix) Other restraints

The following activities should be avoided:

1. Landscaping and removing surface material;

2. Construction of huts or buildings;

3. The depositing of any pieces of equipment or material that would in any way hinder re-occupation of nests by penguins.

 

 

No. 1: 1. Cape Royds 2. Flagstaff Hill 1. Cap Royds 2. Colline Mt de Drapeau 1. Lzp Pmdp 2. Dmo Tjcpqss 1. Cabo Royds 2. Colina Asta de Bandera

3. Pony Lake 4. McMurdo Sound 3.Lac Poney 4. Dtroit McMurdo 3. Ngeom Omlh 4. Hjhb Li-Leodm 3. Lago Haco 4. Estrecho McMurdo

SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST NO. 2

ARRIVAL HEIGHTS, HUT POINTS PENINSULA, ROSS ISLAND

Management Plan

(i) Description of Site

All that area of Arrival Heights enclosed within a line drawn from Trig T510 north-west over First Crater to the 500 foot contour, then north along this contour to a point immediately west of Second Crater, then around the lip of this crater and south to Trig T510. The boundary, which is demarcated, is shown on the attached map.

(ii) Reason for designation

This area is an electromagnetically and natural ‘quiet site’ offering ideal conditions for the installation of sensitive instruments for recording minute signals associated with upper atmosphere programmes.

(iii) Outline of research

Upper atmosphere investigations associated with auroral and geomagnetic studies.

(iv) Date of expiry of designation

30 June 1981. (v) Access points

None are defined but movement within the area by vehicles or personnel other than those directly concerned with the investigations should be kept to the minimum necessary for implementing the programme.

(vi) Pedestrian and vehicular routes

Vehicles and pedestrians should keep to the tracks shown on the attached map.

(vii) Other kinds of scientific investigations which would not cause harmful interference

Scientific investigations other than those associated with the upper atmosphere programme should be kept to a minimum.

(viii) Scientific sampling

Not applicable.

(ix) Other restraints

No R. F. transmitting equipment other than low power transceivers for local essential communication may be installed within this Site. Every precaution should be taken to ensure that electrical equipment is adequately suppressed and correctly installed to keep man-made electrical noise to an absolute minimum.

Second Crater Deuxieme Cratere, Radar Station, Arrival Heights, First Crater, Site of special scientific interest no. 2: Arrival Heights, Ross Island, Nut Point Peninsula

No. 2: 1. Arrival Heights 2. First Crater 3. Second Crater 4. Radar Station Colline de l'Arrive Premier Cratre Deuxime Cratre Station Radar Dmo Aoobj Oeobz Joqeo Cqmom Joqeo Pdol Qqluh Alturas Arribo Crater Primero Crater Segundo Estacin Radar

SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST NO. 3

BARWICK VALLEY, VICTORIA LAND

Management Plan

(i) Description of Site

The Site includes the greater part of Barwick Valley, Victoria Land, and contains parts of several glaciers, exposed soils, a lake about 3 km wide and 16 km long and a connecting stream about 5 km long leading to Lake Vashka. It is bordered on the south, west and north by the Olympus, Willett, and Clare Ranges respectively. The boundary of the Site approximates to an irregular pentagon enclosing about 325 km2. The Site is defined by lines joining Skew Peak (77° 13°S, 160° 43°E), Sponsors Peak (77° 18°S, 161° 24°E), a point on the Insel Range (77° 24°S, 161° 26E), a point in the Apocalypse Peaks (77° 24°S, 160° 46°E), Mount Bastion (77° 19°S, 160° 34°E) and Skew Peak. The boundaries are shown on the attached map.

(ii) Reason for Designation

Barwick Valley is one of the least disturbed and contaminated of the Dry Valleys of Victoria Land, which are environmentally unique and possess extreme polar desert ecosystems. The Site is important as a reference base against which to measure changes in comparable ecosystems of the other Dry Valleys where a considerable variety of scientific investigations have been conducted regularly over the past decade. It is also expected to be of use in connection with global environmental monitoring.

(iii) Outline of research

Investigations are proposed of the microbiology, bacteriology, mycology (especially of yeasts and moulds), and of the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, with special programmes to establish baseline measurements for biological and environmental monitoring.

(iv) Date of expiry of designation

30 June 1981. (v) Access points

Access should be by helicopter to Wright Valley, thence into the Barwick Valley Site on foot past Lake Vashka.

(v) Pedestrian and vehicular routes

Vehicles should not be used. Pedestrian routes should keep to well-drained ground avoiding streams and the lake margins as much as possible.

(vii) Other kinds of scientific investigations which would not cause harmful interference

Geological, pedological, and glaciological studies except those which would introduce exotic species and those which would disrupt or damage the existing ecosystems.

(viii) Scientific sampling

Scientific sampling in the Site should be restricted to that which can be accomplished without introducing new organisms, including micro-organisms, and without disturbing the environment.

(ix) Other restraints

Overflight of the Site should be avoided. Aircraft landing and vehicle parking should be kept well outside the boundaries of the Site. Field activities should be kept to a minimum. Permanent field camps, landfill disposal, and other activities which would introduce new materials or organisms, including micro-organisms, into the Site should be avoided. All materials carried into the Site should be removed.

 

 

No. 3: 1. Barwick Valley 2. Lake Vashka 3. Willett Range Valle Barwick Lac Vashka Chane Willett Emjhl Bohi Ngeom Cwi Uoeaeq Chjjeq Valle Barwick Lago Vashka Cordillera Willett

4. Clare Range 5. Skew Peak 6. Sponsors Peak Chane Clare Pic Oblique Pic Garants Uoeaeq Jjgo Dmo Qiy} Ohi Qnmlpmop Cordillera Clare Pico Oblicuo Pico Fiadores

7. Insel Range 8. Apocalypse Peak 9. Mount Bastion Chane Insel Pic Apocalypse Mont Bastion Ohih Ilgejy Ohi Anmijhnp Dmo Bpqhml Cordillera Insel Pico Apocalipsis Monte Bastion

SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST NO. 4

CAPE CROZIER, ROSS ISLAND

Management Plan

(i) Description of Site

The Site comprises 40 km2 and includes the land areas where the Adlie Penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) nest and the adjacent fast ice where the Emperor Penguins (Aptenodytes forsteri) annually breed. It is bounded by lines joining 77° 28°S, 169° 20°E, 77° 28°S, 169° 28°E, 77° 31°S, 169° 28°E, 77° 31°S, 169° 20°E; and also includes the land area lying north of a line from 169° 20° E, 77° 28°S to the summit of Post Office Hill and north-east of a line which bears 315° True from the summit of Post Office Hill to the coast. The boundaries of the Site, the access track and road, the helicopter landing place and refuge hut are indicated on the attached map.

(ii) Reason for designation

The penguin colonies are the subject of long-term studies of population dynamics and social behaviour, and are relatively accessible by air from McMurdo Station and Scott Base. Access to the Site should be restricted to scientists engaged in investigations within the Site.

(iii) Outline of research

Studies of the Emperor and Adlie Penguin populations and their ethology, life cycles, physiological adaptation and natural population fluctations. Detection of possible changes in their biological characteristics which may be due to man-induced changes in the environment.

(iv) Date of expiry of designation

30 June 1981. (v) Access points

Access should be at points on the boundary closest to the refuge hut and the helicopter landing place.

(vi) Pedestrian and vehicular routes

Helicopters and low-flying aircraft should avoid the Site. Vehicles should not enter the Site and should approach the Site boundary, when serving authorised activities, on courses at right angles to the boundary orientation. Pedestrian movement within the Site should be limited to the shortest routes consistent with the scientific activity.

(vii) Other kinds of scientific investigations which would not cause harmful interference

Biological, pedological, and geological observations except those which would cause harm to the birds or interfere with the breeding success of the penguin colonies. As far as possible such studies should be made at times when the Adlie Penguin colony is absent or when the Emperor Penguin colony is at least 1 km from the locality under scientific consideration.

(viii) Scientific sampling

Taking samples of the bird populations by killing, capture, or taking of eggs should be done only for a compelling scientific purpose and in accordance with the Agreed Measures for the Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora. Close inspection of birds, including photography, or taking blood or other biological samples, should be kept to a minimum.

 

 

No. 4: 1. Cape Crozier 2. Ross Island 3. Ross Sea Cap Crozier Ile Ross Mer de Ross Lzp Jomgho Omjrmpqomb Pmpp Lmoe Pmpp Cabo Crozier Isla Ross Mar de Ross

4. Ross Ice Shelf 5. Post Office Hill Plateforme de Glace Ross Collino Bureau de Poste Xejysmbz jedlhi Pmpp c. Ompq-Nsshp Barrera de Ilielo Ross Colina Casa de Correos

SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST NO. 5

FILDES PENINSULA, KING GEORGE ISLAND, SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS

Management Plan

(i) Description of Site

The two areas on Fildes Peninsula shown on the attached map will be demarcated.

(ii) Reason for designation

The unique fossil ichnolites found in these areas are located close to two permanent scientific stations which have been visited frequently by tourist groups. The areas also contain representative sequences of Tertiary Strata.

(iii) Outline of research

The main object of the research programme is to describe the Tertiary stratigraphic sequences and to understand the geological evolution of this part of the Antarctic Peninsula.

(iv) Date of expiry of designation

30 June 1981. (v) Access points

None are defined.

(vi) Pedestrian and vehicular routes

Vehicles and helicopters should not enter the Site except in an emergency.

(vii) Other kinds of scientific investigations which would not cause harmful interference

Scientific research other than geological should be kept to a minimum.

(viii) Scientific Sampling

Samples of rocks should only be taken for compelling scientific purposes.

(ix) Other restraints

Buildings and other facilities should not be erected in the Site.

 

 

No. 5: 1. Fildes Peninsula 2. Base Bellingshausen 3. Base P. Frei Presqu'le Fildes Base Bellingshausen Base P. Frei Omjrmpqomb Tjdp Mrvl pqluh Cejjhlcpcrel Mrvl pqluh Ooeghdelq-soe Peninsula Fildos Base Bellingshausen Base P. Frei

4. Ardley Island 5. King George Island Ile Ardley Ile du Roi George Npqomb Aodjeh Npqomb Jhlc-Efmodf (Cqeojmm) Isla Ardley Isla Veinticinco de Mayo Isla Rey Jorge

SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST NO. 6

BYERS PENINSULA, LIVINGSTON ISLAND SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS

Management Plan

(i) Description of Site

The Site comprises four areas of sedimentary and fossiliferous strata on Byers Peninsula. These areas are shown on the attached map.

(ii) Reason for designation

The fossils found in this area provide evidence of the former link between Antarctica and the other Southern Continents. A long-term paleontological research programme is in progress. It is important to protect these Jurassic and Cretaceous rocks from being used as building materials or as souvenirs.

(iii) Outline of research

A long-term research programme was established in 1964. The main objectives are the description of sediments and fossils found in this area.

(iv) Date of expiry of designation

30 June 1981. (v) Access points

None are defined.

(vi) Pedestrian and vehicular routes

Vehicles should not enter the Site except in an emergency.

(vii) Other kinds of scientific investigations which would not cause harmful interference

Scientific research other than geological should be kept to a minimum.

(viii) Scientific sampling

Samples of rocks or biological specimens should only be taken for compelling scientific purposes.

(ix) Other restraints

Buildings and other facilities should not be erected in the Site.

 

 

No. 6: 1. Byers Peninsula 2. Livingston Island 3. Rugged Island Presqu'le Byers Ile Livingston Ile Rugged Omjrmpqomb Beop Npqomb Khbhlcpqml (Qkmjelpi) Npqomb Pcced Peninsula Byers Isla Livingston Isla Rugosa

SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST NO. 7

HASWELL ISLAND

Management Plan

(i) Description of Site

The Site consists of Haswell Island (66° 31°S, 93° 00°E), about 1 km2 in area, the largest of a group of islands lying close to Mirny station, together with its littoral zone and the area of fast ice, when present, lying within the delimitation shown on the attached map.

(ii) Reason for designation

The Site is an exceptionally prolific and representative breeding locality for all the species of birds which occur in this part of the Antarctic (five species of petrel (Procellariiformes), one species of skua (Catharacta skua), and one species of penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae)). The Site provides exceptional opportunities for research and needs protection in view of its close proximity to a large Antarctic station.

(iii) Outline of research

A long-term biological programme associated with the bird colonies and studies of the inshore marine biology are expected to continue in the Site.

(iv) Date of expiry of designation

30 June 1981. (v) Access points

The Site may be entered from any direction but access should cause minimum disturbance to the bird colonies.

(vi) Pedestrian and vehicular routes

Vehicles should not enter the Site. Pedestrians should not move through the populated areas except as necessary in the course of scientific investigations. Helicopters and low-flying aircraft should avoid the bird colonies in accordance with the Agreed Measures for the Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora.

(vii) Other kinds of scientific investigations which would not cause harmful interference

Any scientific investigation which will not cause significant disturbance to the biological programmes for which the Site has been designated.

(viii) Scientific sampling

Taking samples of the bird population by killing, capture, or taking of eggs should be done only for a compelling scientific purpose and in accordance with the Agreed Measures for the Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora.

No. 7: 1. Haswell Island 2. Mirny Station Isle Haswell Station Mirny Npqomb Uprgjj Mrvl pqluh Lholz Isla Haswell Estacon Mirny

RECOMMENDATION VIII - 6 ANNUAL EXCHANGES OF INFORMATION

The Representatives,

Recalling Articles III and VII of the Antarctic Treaty;

Noting that numerous recommendations of Consultative Meetings have established requirements for exchange of information between Governments;

Desiring to consolidate the requirements for periodic exchanges of information into s standard annual report;

Conscious that other Recommendations, including Recommendations I-I, I-III, I-VII, I-XIII, II-I, II-VIII, IV-27,VI-3, VI-7, and VII-7 provide for exchanges of information on an occasional basis or outside the annual reports exchanged between Governments;

Recommend to their Governments that:

1. They adopt the Annex to this Recommendation as the standard format for the annual exchanges of information between Governments,

2. They consider that the provisions set forth in the Annex satisfy the requirements for exchanges of information in Recommendations I-VI, II-IV, II-VI, III-I, III-II, IV-23, VI-2, VI-6, VI-12, and VI-13;

3. They exchange the report described in the Annex through diplomatic channels, not later than 30 November each year;

4. They report prior to 30 June in accordance with Recommendation II-VI on extensions, reductions or other modifications in the development of the activities previously reported;

5. Until such time as the Agreed Measures for the Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora become effective, the information exchange requirements set forth in Recommendation IV-19 should be considered as an interim guideline and may be added to the Annex.

[Annex to RECOMMENDATION VIII - 6] STANDARD FORMAT FOR THE ANNUAL EXCHANGES OF INFORMATION

1. Information in as complete a form as possible under the categories listed below is to be exchanged as early as possible but in no case later than 30 November each year.

2. Under Recommendation II-VI any extensions, reductions or other modifications of activities (in the categories marked below with an asterisk (*)) previously reported are to be furnished as soon as possible and in any case prior to 30 June following the season of activity.

3. If a category is not applicable to the activities of a particular country (for example, it has no airfields or does not intend to use research rockets) this fact should be stated.

I.*

The names, types, numbers, descriptions, and armament of ships, aircraft, and other vehicles, introduced, or to be introduced, into the Antarctic Treaty Area, and information on military equipment, if any, and its location in the Area. (List only vehicles used for transport to and from Antarctica. Vehicles at individual stations are described under category VIII below.)

II.*

Dates of expeditions leaving for, and arriving in, the Antarctic Treaty Area, duration of stay, itinerary to and from the Area and routes followed within the Area.

III.*

The names, locations, and dates of opening of the Party's bases and subsidiary stations established or planned to be established in the Antarctic Treaty Area, listed according to whether they are for summer and/or winter operations.

IV.*

The names of the officers in charge of each of these bases, subsidiary stations, ships and aircraft; the number, occupations and specialisations of personnel (including any designated by other Governments), who are or will be stationed at each of these bases and subsidiary stations and on board these ships and aircraft, including the number of personnel who are members of the military services, together with the rank of any officers and the names and professional affiliations of personnel engaged in scientific activities:

A.*

Officers in charge of bases.

B.*

Officers in charge of ships.

C.*

Officers in charge of aircraft.

D.*

Number, occupations and specialisations of personnel:

1.*

Summer personnel (listed according to base or ship at which working);

2.*

Winter personnel (listed according to base at which working).

E.*

Number of personnel who are members of the military services together with rank of any officers.

F.*

Names and professional affiliation of personnel engaged in scientific activities (listed according to base or ship at which working. It would be useful to list each person's scientific disciplines as well as his affiliation).

V.*

The number and types of armaments possessed by personnel.

VI.*

The programme of work, including scientific investigation, being done and planned at each of these bases and subsidiary stations and on board those ships and aircraft; and also the area or areas of operation to be covered by such programme (this may be included as an Annex).

VII.*

Principal scientific equipment, which may be listed according to the base at which it is customarily used (this may be included as an Annex).

VIII. Transportation facilities and communication equipment for use within the Antarctic Treaty Area:

A.*

Surface, marine, and air transport vehicles at each base.

B.*

Description of communications facilities using the standard form in accordance with Recommendation VI-2. C. Description of airfields in accordance with Recommendation III-I, including particulars of location, operating conditions and limitations, radio aids to navigation, facilities for radio communications and instrument landing (this may be included as an Annex).

IX.*

Facilities for rendering assistance (medical and transport services and shelter available in emergencies).

X.*

Notice of any expeditions to Antarctica not organised by the Party but organised in, calling at, or proceeding from the Party's territory (including tourism in accordance with Recommendations IV-27 and VI-7).

XI.*

Description of unoccupied refuges in accordance with Recommendation III-II, including name, position, description of location, date established, date last examined and estimate of available accommodation, facilities, food, fuel, and supplies of other kinds (this may be included as an Annex).

XII. Annual return of the numbers of each species killed or captured in the Antarctic Treaty Area in accordance with Article XII of the Agreed Measures for the Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora, using the format annexed to Recommendation IV-19 (this may be included as an Annex).

XIII. Notice of the intended use of radio-isotopes in scientific investigations in the Antarctic Treaty Area. (Note: under Recommendation VI-6 this information is to be provided by Consultative Parties as early as possible, preferably six months in advance, but in any case annually.)

XIV. Notice of intended use of scientific research rockets in the Antarctic Treaty Area in accordance with Recommendation VI-12 including inter alia geographical co-ordinates of the place of launching; the time and date of launching or, alternatively, the approximate period of time during which it is planned to carry out the launchings; the direction of launching; the planned maximum altitude; the planned impact area; the type and other specifications of the rockets to be launched, including possible residual hazards; the purpose and research programme of the rocket.

XV.*

Notice of ships which are carrying out substantial oceanographic research programmes in the Antarctic Treaty Area, in accordance with Recommendation VI-13 including information required under categories I, II, IV, VI, and VII above.

RECOMMENDATION VIII -7 CO-OPERATION IN TRANSPORT

The Representatives,

Recalling Recommendation VII-8;

Recognizing that access to Antarctica by long-range aircraft combined with intracontinental feeder routes by smaller aircraft would facilitate new levels of co-operation and flexibility in research;

Noting the interest taken by the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) in the potential benefits to be derived from a co-operative air transport system;

Recommend to their Governments that:

1. They request their offices responsible for the administration of Antarctic expeditions to review their scientific programmes in order to identify the ways in which a cooperative air transport system might benefit them and to inform SCAR through their representatives on the SCAR Working Group on Logistics;

2. They request SCAR, through their National Antarctic Committees, to review the available transport resources and the potential requirements with respect to a co-operative air transport system and to bring their conclusions to the attention of the Consultative Parties.

RECOMMENDATION VIII - 8 ACTIVITIES OF STATES THAT ARE NOT CONSULTATIVE PARTIES

The Representatives,

Recalling the principles and purposes of the Antarctic Treaty;

Reaffirming that it is in the interest of all mankind that Antarctica shall continue forever to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes and shall not become the scene or object of international discord;

Recognizing that the Antarctic Treaty places a special responsibility on the Contracting Parties to exert appropriate efforts, consistent with the Charter of the United Nations, to the end that no one engages in any activity in the Antarctic Treaty Area contrary to the principles or purposes of the Treaty;

Considering paragraphs 15 to 17 of the Final Report of the Seventh Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting regarding activities in the Treaty Area by States that are not Contracting Parties;

Considering further that it is desirable for acceding States to approve existing and future Recommendations, which form an integral part of the Treaty regime;

Recommend to their Governments that:

1. They reaffirm the principles set forth in paragraphs 15 to 17 of the Final Report of the Seventh Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting in respect of activities by States that are not Contracting Parties to the Antarctic Treaty;

2. They urge the States that have or will become Parties to the Antarctic Treaty to approve the Recommendations adopted at Consultative Meetings in pursuance of the Treaty and subsequently approved by all the Contracting Parties whose representatives were entitled to participate in the meetings held to consider those measures.

RECOMMENDATION VIII - 10 ANTARCTIC MARINE LIVING RESOURCES

The Representatives,

Recalling Article IX, paragraph 1 (f) of the Antarctic Treaty;

Convinced that the Antarctic Treaty Area contains significant concentrations of marine living resources;

Recognizing the need to promote and achieve, within the framework of the Antarctic Treaty, the objectives of protection, scientific study and rational use of these marine living resources;

Aware of the inadequacy of the information concerning the stocks of these living resources and of the need to develop a good scientific foundation for appropriate conservation measures;

Recommend to their Governments that:

1. They initiate or expand insofar as is practicable within their Antarctic scientific programmes, detailed studies of the biology, distribution, bio-mass and population dynamics and the ecology of Antarctic marine living resources;

2. They encourage further co-operation among the Consultative Parties in scientific studies of and programmes relating to Antarctic marine living resources;

3. They encourage studies which could lead to the development of effective measures for the conservation of Antarctic marine living resources in the Treaty Area;

4. They urge the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR), through their National Antarctic Committees, to continue its scientific work on these matters and to consider convening, as soon as practicable, a meeting to discuss current work and report on programmes for the study and conservation of Antarctic marine living resources;

5. They include the subject ‘Antarctic Marine Living Resources’ on the agenda of the Ninth Consultative Meeting.

RECOMMENDATION VIII - 11 MAN'S IMPACT ON THE ANTARCTIC ENVIRONMENT

The Representatives,

Recalling Recommendations VI-4 and VII-1;

Desiring to minimize the impact of man on the Antarctic environment;

Noting with appreciation the response of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) to Recommendation VI-4;

Recommend to their Governments that:

1. To the greatest extent feasible they observe the code of conduct annexed to this Recommendation at their stations and for their activities within the Antarctic Treaty Area;

2. Through their National Antarctic Committees they invite SCAR, in co-operation with the Scientific Committee on problems of the Environment (SCOPE) of the International Council of Scientific Unions, to continue its interest in the development of scientific programmes for detecting and assessing changes occurring in the Antarctic environment.

[Annex to RECOMMENDATION VIII - 11] CODE OF CONDUCT FOR ANTARCTIC EXPEDITIONS AND STATION ACTIVITIES

1. Waste disposal

The following are recommended procedures:

(a) Solid Waste

(i) Non-combustible, including chemicals (except batteries)

These materials may be disposed of at sea either in deep water or, if this is not possible, at specified sites in shallow water.

(ii) Batteries should be removed from the Antarctic Treaty Area.

(iii) Combustibles - Wood, wood products and paper should be incinerated, the ash being disposed of at sea.

Lubricating oils may be burnt except those containing harmful additives which should be removed from the Antarctic Treaty Area.

Carcasses and materials associated with imported experimental animals should be incinerated.

All plastics and rubber products should be removed from the Antarctic Treaty Area.

(b) Liquid Waste

(i) Human waste, garbage and laundry effluents should, where possible, be macerated and be flushed into the sea.

(ii) Large quantities of photographic liquids should be treated for the recovery of silver and the residue should be flushed into the sea.

(c) The above procedures are recommended for coastal stations. Field sites supported from coastal stations should, where feasible, use the facilities of their supporting station. Inland stations should concentrate all waste in deep pits. Except as stated for inland stations, waste should not be buried.

(d) Waste containing radio-isotopes should be removed from the Antarctic Treaty Area.

(e) Every effort should be made to reduce the plastic packaging of products imported into the Antarctic Treaty Area.

(f) If possible the use of leaded fuels or fuels containing ethylene bromide and ethylene chloride should be avoided.

(g) When incinerators are used it is desirable to monitor the effluents.

2. Introduction of alien species

Procedures to safeguard against the introduction of alien species are covered by Article IX of the Agreed Measures for the Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora.

3. Disturbance of breeding colonies and concentration of birds and mammals

Procedures to minimize such disturbances are covered by Article VII of the Agreed Measures for the Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora.

4. Guidelines for Antarctic operating organizations planning major Antarctic Projects

(a) In the planning of major operations in the Antarctic Treaty Area an evaluation of the environmental impact of the proposed activity should be carried out by the Antarctic operating organizations concerned. Such an evaluation should include:

(i) A description of the proposed action and an assessment of its potential benefits and its possible impact on the relevant ecosystems.

(ii) A consideration of alternative actions which might alter the pattern of benefits versus adverse environmental effects expected to result from the action.

(b) These evaluations may be circulated for information through SCAR channels to all the states engaged in Antarctic activities.

RECOMMENDATION VIII - 12 DISPOSAL OF NUCLEAR WASTE

The Representatives,

Recalling Article V of the Antarctic Treaty;

Noting the increasing production of nuclear materials and the growing concern about the disposal of nuclear waste;

Bearing in mind the undertaking of Contracting Parties in Article X of the Antarctic Treaty to exert appropriate efforts, consistent with the Charter of the United Nations, to the end that no one engages in any activity in Antarctica contrary to the principles or purposes of the Treaty;

Desiring to preserve the unique quality of the Antarctic environment;

Recommend to their Governments that they continue to exert appropriate efforts to the end that no one disposes of nuclear waste in the Antarctic Treaty Area.

RECOMMENDATION VIII - 13 THE ANTARCTIC ENVIRONMENT

Recognizing that prime responsibility for Antarctic matters, including protection of the Antarctic environment, lies with the States active in the area which are parties to the Antarctic Treaty;

Noting the vulnerability of the Antarctic environment to human interference and that the consequences of major alterations would be of global significance;

Noting the distance of the Antarctic from the main sources of environmental pollution and hence its value for global baseline monitoring purposes;

Considering the role of the Antarctic as a global climatic regulator of major importance;

Noting that in seeking to fulfil these responsibilities Antarctic Treaty States have;

(a) negotiated the Agreed Measures for the Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora;

(b) negotiated the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (London 1972);

(c) invited the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) of the International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU):

ii (i) to identify the types and assess the extent of human interference which has occurred in the Treaty Area as a result of man's activities;

i (ii) to propose measures which might be taken to minimise harmful interference;

(iii) to consider and recommend scientific programmes which will detect and measure changes occurring in the Antarctic environment;

Noting that a Code of Conduct for stations and activities within the Antarctic Treaty Area to minimise their harmful environmental effects has been adopted;

Noting that the Antarctic Treaty calls upon Contracting Parties to encourage co-operative working relations with those specialized agencies of the United Nations and other international organizations having a scientific or technical interest in the Antarctic;

Noting the cable to the Chairman of the Consultative Meeting from the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), circulated to the meeting on 10 June 1975;

Recommend to their Governments that:

1. In exercising their responsibility for the wise use and protection of the Antarctic environment they shall have regard to the following:

(a) that in considering measures for the wise use and protection of the Antarctic environment they shall act in accordance with their responsibility for ensuring that such measures are consistent with the interests of all mankind;

(b) that no act or activity having an inherent tendency to modify the environment over wide areas within the Antarctic Treaty Area should be undertaken unless appropriate steps have been taken to foresee the probable modifications and to exercise appropriate controls with respect to the harmful environmental effects such uses of the Antarctic Treaty Area may have;

(c) that in co-operation with SCAR and other relevant agencies they continue, within the capabilities of their Antarctic scientific programmes, to monitor changes in the environment, irrespective of their cause, and to exercise their responsibility for informing the world community of any significant changes caused by man's activities outside the Antarctic Treaty Area;

2. They welcome the offer made by UNEP of co-operation in questions of scientific and technical interest relating to the Antarctic environment and invite SCAR, through their National Antarctic Committees, to continue its participation in the development of the relevant parts of the programme under consideration by the Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment (SCOPE).

RECOMMENDATION VIII - 14 ANTARCTIC RESOURCES - EFFECTS OF MINERAL EXPLORATION

The Representatives,

Recalling Recommendation VII-6;

Bearing in mind the purposes and principles of the Antarctic Treaty;

Reaffirming that it is in the interest of all mankind that the Antarctic Treaty Area shall continue forever to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes and shall not become the scene or object of international discord;

Acknowledging that the Antarctic Treaty places a special responsibility upon the Contracting Parties to exert appropriate efforts, consistent with the Charter of the United Nations, to ensure that no one engages in any activity in the Antarctic Treaty Area contrary to the purposes or principles of the Treaty;

Concerned that mineral resource exploration and exploitation could adversely affect the unique environment of the Antarctic and of other ecosystems dependent on the Antarctic environment;

Noting the technological developments in polar mineral exploration and exploitation;

Convinced that further consultations on the questions concerning Antarctic mineral resources are desirable and, in the meantime, of the need for restraint while seeking timely agreed solutions by the Consultative Parties to problems raised by such questions; and noting the intention of their Governments to keep these matters under review in the light of possible actions by others;

Aware that available scientific information on the environmental effects of mineral exploration and/or exploitation in the Antarctic has been inadequately studied and that the Consultative Parties bear a special responsibility for environmental protection in the Antarctic Treaty Area;

Aware also that Antarctic geological structures have not been sufficiently investigated;

Recognizing the need for further study and consideration of these matters;

Resolved that the Consultative Parties should seek to develop an approach to the problems raised by the possible presence of valuable mineral resources in the Antarctic Treaty Area, bearing in mind the principles and purposes of the Antarctic Treaty;

Recommend to their Governments that:

1. The subject ‘Antarctic Resources - The Question of Mineral Exploration and Exploitation’ be fully studied in all its aspects in relation to the Treaty and be the subject of consultation among them with a view to convening a special preparatory meeting during 1976, the terms of reference of which will be determined precisely through diplomatic channels; the special preparatory meeting to report to the Ninth Consultative Meeting;

2. They undertake to study the environmental implications of mineral resource activities in the Antarctic Treaty Area and other related matters, including joint studies among them, and that they exchange the results of such studies;

3. They invite SCAR through their National Antarctic Committees to:

ii (i) make an assessment on the basis of available information of the possible impact on the environment of the Treaty Area and other ecosystems dependent on the Antarctic environment if mineral exploration and/or exploitation were to occur there.

If possible and appropriate, Governments may wish to assist their National Antarctic Committees in this undertaking by appropriate means;

i (ii) continue to co-ordinate national geological and geophysical research programmes in the Antarctic Treaty Area with the aim of obtaining fundamental scientific data on the geological structure of the Antarctic;

(iii) consider what further scientific programmes are necessary in pursuit of these objectives;

4. The subject ‘Antarctic Resources - The Question of Mineral Exploration and Exploitation’ be placed on the Agenda of the Ninth Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting.

APPENDIX

RECOMMENDATION VIII - 1 SPECIALLY PROTECTED AREAS: LITCHFIELD ISLAND

The Representatives,

Considering that Litchfield Island, together with its littoral, possesses an unusually rich collection of marine and terrestrial life, is unique amongst the neighbouring islands as a breeding place for six species of native birds and provides an outstanding example of the natural ecological system of the Antarctic Peninsula area;

Recommend to their Governments that the following be included in Annex B, Specially Protected Areas, of the Agreed Measures for the Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora:

SPECIALLY PROTECTED AREA NO. 17

Litchfield Island, Arthur Harbor, Palmer Archipelago Lat. 66°16°S, Long. 64°06°W. Description: A small island, about 2.5 km2 in area. The Area is shown on the attached map.

 

 

No. 17: 1. Litchfield Island 2. Anvers Island 3. Arthur Harbor Ile Litchfield Ile Anvers Baie Arthur Npqomb Khvshjd Npqomb Albeop Brtq Aoqro Isla Litchfield Isla Amberes Bahia Arthur

RECOMMENDATION VIII - 2 REVIEW OF SPECIALLY PROTECTED AREAS

The Representatives,

Recalling Recommendations III-VIII and VII-2;

Conscious of the need to revise the list of Specially Protected Areas in Annex B of the Agreed Measures for the Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora in the light of experience;

Recalling the criteria established by paragraph 1 of Recommendation VII-2 for the selection of Specially Protected Areas;

Noting with appreciation the response of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) to paragraph 2 of Recommendation VII-2;

Recommend to their Governments that:

1. The following Recommendations, recommending certain defined areas for inclusion in Annex B, Specially Protected Areas, of the Agreed Measures for the Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora, be terminated:

(a) Recommendation IV-6 (Specially Protected Areas: Cape Crozier, Ross Island)

(b) Recommendation IV-10 (Specially Protected Areas: Byers Peninsula)

(c) Recommendation IV-12 (Specially Protected Areas: Fildes Peninsula)

(d) Recommendation V-5 (Specially Protected Areas: Fildes Peninsula);

2. The numbers 6, 10 and 12 in Annex B of the Agreed Measures should not be used for other Specially Protected Areas.

RECOMMENDATION VIII - 5 PERMITS FOR ENTRY TO SPECIALLY PROTECTED AREAS

The Representatives,

Noting that Recommendation VI-8, paragraph 2, and Articles VI and VIII of the Agreed Measures for the Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora enable Governments to issue permits for entry to Specially Protected Areas only for the collection of native mammals or birds (Article VI) or native plants (Article VIII, paragraph 2 (a));

Desiring to extend this facility to include other compelling scientific purposes;

Recommend to their Governments that:

1. Recommendation VI-8 be terminated;

2. The Agreed Measures for the Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora be modified by the addition of a new subparagraph to Article VIII, paragraph 2, as follows:

‘ (c) entry by their nationals, except in accordance with a permit issued under Article VI or under paragraph 2 (a) of the present Article or in accordance with a permit issued for some other compelling scientific purpose.’;

3. Until such time as the Agreed Measures and this Recommendation become effective in accordance with Article IX of the Antarctic Treaty, this Recommendation should, as far as possible, be considered as a guideline.