Managing Threats to the Antarctic (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Geography) : Revision Note

Managing threats to the Antarctic

• Fishing and whaling in the Southern Oceans has been continuous since the 1700s

• As pressure on Antarctica grew, it was decided that strategies and techniques needed to be put in place to manage the area sustainably

• One of the most significant challenges is the sheer size of the area that needs to be managed and protected

• This makes it difficult to monitor any strategy or technique to guarantee that international agreements are being kept

Antarctic Treaty System (ATS)

• One strategy was the Antarctic Treaty

• The ATS is a set of international agreements that protect Antarctica for peace and science

• Signed in 1959 by 12 countries, it now has over 50 signatories

• The treaty:

  • Bans military activity, nuclear testing, and mineral extraction

  • Promotes scientific research and international cooperation

• The treaty designates Antarctica as a global commons—no one owns it

  • However, several nations have made territorial claims to particular parts of the continent – Australia, Chile, Argentina, Norway, France, New Zealand and the UK

  • Some of the claims overlap but none of them are universally recognised by the international community

• Evaluation: The treaty is highly successful at preventing conflict and resource exploitation, but has limited enforcement powers

Madrid Protocol (1991)

• Full name: Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty

• Its purpose is to protect Antarctica’s environment and regulate human activities (like science and tourism)

• Key features:

  • Bans mining and resource extraction

  • Requires Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for any activity (e.g. building a research station)

  • Promotes waste reduction, biodiversity protection, and conservation of ecosystems

  • Declares Antarctica a 'natural reserve, devoted to peace and science'

• Evaluation: The protocol sets out strong environmental rules, but reviewable in 2048, which may bring political challenges in the future

CCAMLR – sustainable fishing

• CCAMLR is the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources

• Its purpose is to manage fishing quotas to prevent overfishing, especially of krill and toothfish

• Uses scientific data to decide sustainable levels

• Protects marine food webs by limiting damage to non-target species

• Evaluation: Good science-based management, but illegal fishing is still a serious problem due to remote monitoring difficulties

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

• These are ocean zones where human activity is restricted to protect ecosystems

• Some areas around Antarctica are closed to fishing or have strict rules

  Protect breeding grounds of species like penguins, seals, and whales

• Evaluation: Good for biodiversity, but only a small percentage of the Southern Ocean is protected—more MPAs are needed

Ban on mineral and resource extraction

• It aims to stop mining, drilling or extraction of minerals and oil

• Prevents large-scale environmental damage and pollution

• Supports the idea of sustainable use and preservation for future generations

• Evaluation: Effective now, but some countries (e.g. Russia, China) show interest in future exploitation if the rules change

Scientific research regulations

• These are guidelines and permits for scientists working in Antarctica

• All research must include environmental planning and waste management strategies

• Scientific stations are encouraged to use renewable energy (e.g. solar panels) and recycle waste

• Evaluation: Research is well-managed, but infrastructure development still creates localised environmental impacts

IAATO – tourism guidelines

• IAATO is the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators

• It sets voluntary rules for tourist behaviour (e.g. keeping distance from wildlife, not leaving waste)

  • Such as limiting ship sizes, landing sites, and group numbers

• It aims to reduce the risk of environmental damage and invasive species.

  Evaluation: Largely successful due to cooperation, but not legally binding—compliance depends on the operator