Antarctica: A global common.

Question 1

What is the size of Antarctica?

Answer 1

14 million km2

Question 2

How much of the worlds ice and fresh water is found on the continent?

Answer 2

90% of all ice

70% of all freshwater

Question 3

What area is considered part of the Antarctica global commons?

Answer 3

The whole of Antarctica and southern ocean as far north as the Antarctic Convergence.

Question 4

What are average temperatures like?

Answer 4

-49 degrees Celsius.

Question 5

What are the four main threats to this common?

Answer 5

Climate change, Fishing/whaling, search for minerals, tourism/research.

Question 6

When was the Antarctic treaty sighed?

Answer 6

1959

Question 7

How many nations have signed the Antarctic Treaty?

Answer 7

53

Question 8

What are the main points of the Antarctic Treaty?

Answer 8

Only to be used for peaceful reasons.
Countries should cooperate with scientifc reasearch.
Should remain a global common.

Question 9

What does the treaty allow scientific bases to do?

Answer 9

Search other bases at a moments notice, to ensure they are following protocol.

Question 10

What was signed in 1991?

Answer 10

Protocol on Environmental protection to the Antarctic Treaty (PEPAT).

Question 11

What did the PEPAT do?

Answer 11

Regulates waste disposal (has to be stored in an isolated environment), prevents mining, and reduce pollution.

Question 12

How are disputes settled?

Answer 12

Negotiations are encouraged. However, if not issue taken before the International Court of Justice.

Question 13

What two o global institutions help govern the Antarctic common?

Answer 13

International Whaling Commission (IWC)

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Question 14

Explain the role of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) in Antarctica.

Answer 14

It aims to protect the global environment. It regularly reports activity in Antarctica back to the UN. The programme in Antarctica is run by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctica Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR).

Question 15

What is the CCAMLR?

Answer 15

The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources. They aim to reduce illegal fishing and preserve the Antarctic ecosystem.

Question 16

What is the role of the International Whaling Commision (IWC)?

Answer 16

Regulates whaling in order to maintain a sustainable whale population. First met in 1949.

Question 17

What have the IWC done to reduce whaling in the area?

Answer 17

Set up sanctuaries as of 1994, however, there have been criticised for not protecting these sanctuaries enough.

Question 18

Other than the IWC what else has contributed to decreasing rates of whaling?

Answer 18

Falling prices for the products they produce.

Question 19

What did the IWC introduce in 1882?

Answer 19

Whaling Moratorium Act that banned commercial whaling.

Question 20

Who continues to pose a threat to whales in the area?

Answer 20

Japan.

Question 21

Who are ASOC?

Answer 21

The Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition. An NGO that wanted greater transparency at Antarctic meetings to allow NGO’s to attend?

Question 22

Why might we consider the presence of NGOs like ASOC on Antarctica a positive thing?

Answer 22

They don’t have an economic or political motive, therefore, would be interested in making sure countries follow protocols in order to protect the environment.

Question 23

What is the role of ASOC today?

Answer 23

Monitor the members of the 1991 protocol and ensure they are following its legislation.

Question 24

What keystone species is found at the Antarctic convergence?

Answer 24

Krill - supports extensive ecosystem.

Question 25

What is the Antarctic Convergence Zone (ACZ)?

Answer 25

Warm water from the North meets Antarctic water pushed northwards by the Antarctic Circumcurrent. Upwelling takes place here. Krill brought to the surface.

Question 26

What is the effect of climate change on the are?

Answer 26

West coast has warmed by 3 degrees, leads to the retreat of the Weddell and Ross ice sheets. Also increased CO2 in the atmosphere will result in water acidification.

Question 27

What has the effect of climate change been on the ecosystem?

Answer 27

80% decrease in krill population since 1970. Main food source of penguins and whales. Has affected their numbers.

Question 28

What is the most fished creature in the Southern Ocean?

Answer 28

Krill in 2013 300,000 tonnes of krill was extracted.

Question 29

What has been done to reduce overfishing?

Answer 29

In 1999 the CCAMLR introduced a documentation scheme means they can check suspected illegal fishing they have also introduced quotes.

Question 30

What agreement banned mining in the area?

Answer 30

PEPAT - Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (Madrid Protocol 1991).

Question 31

When does the Antarctic treaty run out?

Answer 31

2047.

Question 32

What is the threat from tourism?

Answer 32

Pollution from travel, could disturb habitats, litter, could bring non-native species with them, and waste disposal.

Question 33

What procedures have been introduced to reduce the impact of tourism?

Answer 33

2009 agreement made that prevented any more than 500 landing. Also, only 100 are let on at any one time, they are supervised at all times. All waste must be treated onboard and litter must not be left.

Question 34

How many tourists visited in 2008?

Answer 34

46,000

Question 35

What organisation manages tourism on the continent?

Answer 35

IAATO - International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators 1991. Promotes ‘Safe and environmentally responsible tourism.