Antarctica

Question 1

Fishing

Answer 1

The overfishing of a particular species has an impact on the food resources for predators - regulation was put in place by the CCAMLR - put a limit on the amount of Krill that is allowed to be fished - came into force in 1983 as part of the Antarctic treaty - illegal fishing is a concern - Albatross also get caught by long fishing lines.

Question 2

Mineral exploitation

Answer 2

Is discussed in the Madrid Protocol (1991) - which banned all mining in Antarctica - many mineral deposits are not economically viable - so Antarctica is not under immediate threat from this.

Question 3

Tourism

Answer 3

Eco-tourism - companies offer small boat trips of up to 25-people - the IAATO was founded to advocate for environmentally friendly private-sector tourism - the revisiting of ‘honey-pot’ sites could have a lasting impact on the ecosystem - 36,000 tourists visited the island in 2018.

Question 4

The Antarctic treaty (1959)

Answer 4

Signed by 12 nations initially - now there are 56 parties signed up - setting aside the continent as a scientific reserve - banning military action - prohibiting nuclear activity.

Question 5

The Protocol of Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (1991)

Answer 5

Antarctica is a natural reserve - 42 nations have signed up to it - enhanced protection of the Antarctica ecosystem.

Question 6

IWC Whaling Moratorium (1982)

Answer 6

There should be a worldwide ban on whaling - official exemptions for Norway, Japan and the USSR - Japan left the IWC in 2019.

Question 7

NGOs

Answer 7

ASOC was formed in 1978 - by a group of NGOs - were concerned that countries were planning to make it legal to search for oil, gas and minerals - ASOC monitors whether countries are sticking to the rules - monitors impact that climate change has on Antarctica.

AOA - campaigns to protect oceans around Antarctica - to protect the Ross Sea - 3.6 million square kilometres of ocean.