The Bigger The Ship The Bigger The Mess: Large Ship Tourism in the Antarctic: A Recommendation

Abstract

Recalling Recommendation VIII-9 that tourism is a natural development in the Antarctic and requires regulation. Reaffirming The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty 1991 seeks to enhance the protection of the Antarctic environment and dependent and associated ecosystems. Recalling the Committee on Environmental Protection (CEP) set under Article 1 1 of The protocol on Environmental protection to the Antarctic Treaty provides advice on the means Of minimising or mitigating environmental activities in the Antarctic Treaty area. Recalling Working Group Two, set up by the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties to meet at Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings, provides advice on scientific research and operations in the Antarctic Treaty area. Acknowledging the need to prevent adverse environmental impacts by timely regulation, particularly as the grounding or sinking of a tourist ship could result in long-term environmental damage. Noting that ship borne tourism takes place in areas with high densities of wildlife, often during the breeding season. Noting that the nature of the Antarctic climate means that tourist ships can be exposed to extreme weather conditions. Recalling that the Antarctic Treaty System does not restrict the maximum passenger capacity of tourist ships. Noting the recent increase in the number of large tourist ships (800-1600 maximum passenger capacity) operating in Antarctic waters which are not members of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO). Recalling Recommendation VIII-9 that tourism is a natural development in the Antarctic and requires regulation. Reaffirming The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty 1991 seeks to enhance the protection of the Antarctic environment and dependent and associated ecosystems. Recalling the Committee on Environmental Protection (CEP) set under Article 1 1 of The protocol on Environmental protection to the Antarctic Treaty provides advice on the means Of minimising or mitigating environmental activities in the Antarctic Treaty area. Recalling Working Group Two, set up by the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties to meet at Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings, provides advice on scientific research and operations in the Antarctic Treaty area. Acknowledging the need to prevent adverse environmental impacts by timely regulation, particularly as the grounding or sinking of a tourist ship could result in long-term environmental damage. Noting that ship borne tourism takes place in areas with high densities of wildlife, often during the breeding season. Noting that the nature of the Antarctic climate means that tourist ships can be exposed to extreme weather conditions. Recalling that the Antarctic Treaty System does not restrict the maximum passenger capacity of tourist ships. Noting the recent increase in the number of large tourist ships (800-1600 maximum passenger capacity) operating in Antarctic waters which are not members of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO).