General Guidelines for Visitors to the Antarctic
The General Guidelines apply to all visitors and all activities in the Antarctic Treaty area[1]. All visits to Antarctica should be conducted in accordance with the Antarctic Treaty, its Protocol on Environmental Protection, and relevant Measures, Decisions and Resolutions adopted at Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings (ATCM). All activities must be subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment and must have prior approval/permission or meet all the requirements of the relevant National Competent Authority.
These Guidelines provide general guidance for visiting any location, with the aim of ensuring that visits do not have adverse impacts on the Antarctic environment, including wildlife and ecosystems, or on its scientific, wilderness and aesthetic values. ATCM Site Guidelines for Visitors provide additional site-specific advice for some locations. Guidelines concerning particular risks such as aircraft use, or avoiding the introduction of non-native species may also apply.
Consult these Guidelines before you visit Antarctica and plan how to minimize your impact.
If you are part of a guided visitor group, abide by these guidelines, pay attention to your guides, and follow their instructions. If you are the organizer of your own visit or the visit of a group and respective activities, you are responsible for abiding by these guidelines. You are also responsible for identifying the features of the sites you visit that may be vulnerable to visitor impacts, and for complying with any specific requirements related to protected areas, historic sites and monuments, activities or risks. Specific requirements can be included within ATCM Site Guidelines, Antarctic Specially Protected Area (ASPA) and Antarctic Specially Managed Area (ASMA) management plans, or station visit guidelines.
PROTECT
ANTARCTIC WILDLIFE
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WILDLIFE
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The
taking of, or harmful interference with, Antarctic wildlife is prohibited. ●
When
in the vicinity of wildlife – either on land or at sea, move or maneuver
slowly and carefully and keep noise to a minimum. ●
Maintain
an appropriate distance from wildlife to avoid disturbance. While in many
cases a greater distance may be necessary, in general keep at least 5 m from
wildlife on land. Abide by any guidance on distances in species- or
site-specific guidelines. ●
Always
give animals the right of way and do not block their access routes between
the sea and land, nesting places or other destinations. ●
Animals
may alter their behavior if disturbed. Observe wildlife behavior. If wildlife
changes its behavior (standing when it was sitting, moving its head around
alerted, start vocalizing when it was silent, etc.) stop moving, or slowly
increase your distance. ●
Stay
outside the margins of a colony and observe from a safe distance. Animals are
particularly sensitive to disturbance when they are breeding (including
nesting) or moulting. ●
Every
situation is different. Consider the topography and the individual
circumstances of the site, as these may have an impact on the vulnerability
of wildlife to disturbance. ●
Watch
your steps for eggs, chicks or nest materials of skuas, penguins or petrels. ●
Unmanned
aerial vehicles must not be used in the vicinity of wildlife. ●
Do
not feed wildlife or leave food or scraps lying around.
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VEGETATION |
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Vegetation,
including mosses and lichens, is fragile and very slow growing. Do not walk,
drive or land on any moss beds or lichen covered rocks, in order to avoid
damage. ●
When
travelling on foot, stay on established tracks whenever possible to minimise
disturbance or damage to the soil and vegetated surfaces. Where a track does
not exist, choose your route carefully, taking the most direct route while
avoiding vegetation, fragile terrain, scree slopes, and wildlife.
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INTRODUCTION OF
NON-NATIVE SPECIES AND PATHOGENS |
●
Do
not introduce any plants or animals into the Antarctic. ●
In
order to prevent the introduction of non-native species and disease,
carefully wash boots and clean all equipment including clothes, bags, tripods,
tents and walking sticks before bringing them to Antarctica. Pay particular
attention to boot treads, velcro fastenings and pockets which could contain
soil or seeds. Vehicles and aircraft should also be cleaned. ●
In
order to prevent the transfer of non-native species and disease between
locations in Antarctica ensure all clothing, boots and equipment are cleaned
thoroughly before moving between sites and regions. |
RESPECT
PROTECTED AREAS AND STRUCTURES
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HISTORIC SITES AND
MONUMENTS (HSMs) AND OTHER STRUCTURES |
●
Do
not damage, remove, destroy or change any historic site, monument, or
artefact, or other building or emergency refuge (whether occupied or
unoccupied). ●
Consult
relevant ATCM Site Guidelines for Visitors for specific rules concerning historic
sites, monuments, items or buildings and other structures in the vicinity. ●
Before
entering any historic structure, clean your boots of snow and grit and remove
snow and water from clothes, as these can cause damage to structures or
artefacts. ●
Take
care not to tread on any artefacts which may be obscured by sediments or snow
when moving around historic sites. ●
If
you come across an item that may be of historic value that authorities may
not be aware of, do not touch or disturb it. Notify your expedition leader or
NCAs. |
RESPECT SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
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● Some Antarctic stations may accept visitors. ●
Comply with any site-specific rules or
visitor guidelines in place when visiting Antarctic stations. ●
Do
not interfere with or remove scientific equipment or markers, and do not
disturb experimental study sites, field camps or stored supplies |
KEEP ANTARCTICA PRISTINE – LEAVE NO TRACE OF YOUR VISIT
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WASTE |
●
Do
not deposit any litter or garbage on land nor discard it into the sea. ● No smoking except in designated areas at stations or camps, to avoid litter and risk of fire to structures. Collect ash and litter for disposal outside Antarctica. ●
Ensure
that all belongings, equipment and waste is secured at all times in such a
way as to prevent dispersal into the environment through high winds or
wildlife foraging.
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WILDERNESS VALUES |
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Do
not disturb or pollute lakes, streams, rivers or other water bodies (e.g. by
walking, washing yourself or your equipment, throwing stones, etc.) ●
Do
not paint or engrave names or other graffiti on any man-made or natural
surface in Antarctica. ● Do not take souvenirs, whether man-made, biological or geological items, including feathers, bones, eggs, vegetation, soil, rocks, meteorites or fossils. |
BE SAFE
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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS/
PREPARATIONS |
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Be
prepared for severe and changeable weather. Ensure that your equipment and
clothing meet Antarctic standards. Remember that the Antarctic environment is
inhospitable, unpredictable and potentially dangerous. ●
Know
your capabilities, the dangers posed by the Antarctic environment, and act
accordingly. Plan activities with safety in mind at all times. ●
Keep
a larger safety distance from potentially dangerous or territorial wildlife
like fur seals, both on land and at sea. Keep at least 15-25 m away where practicable.
●
Be
careful where you walk as seals can lie camouflaged on and among rocks. Keep
a safety distance from sea ice edge and be cautious when stepping over cracks
in the sea ice. ●
Skuas
are very territorial birds and will attack anyone approaching their nests by
plummeting down on intruders. If this happens, retreat away from the point
when the attack started. ● Any wildlife, even penguins, can cause
serious harm. Do not underestimate risks. ●
If
you are travelling in a group, act on the guidance and instructions of your
leaders. Do not stray from your group as survival in Antarctica can be a
matter of minutes (especially in case of acute hypothermia). ●
Do
not walk onto glaciers or large snow fields without proper equipment and
experience. There is a real danger of falling into hidden crevasses. ●
Be
vigilant in the vicinity of calving glaciers. Breaking pieces of ice can
generate dangerous waves. ●
Pay
special attention when climbing rocks and/or boulders, as melting permafrost
with changing temperatures lead to an increased risk of avalanches. ●
Do
not expect a rescue service. Self-sufficiency is increased and risks reduced
by sound planning, quality equipment and trained personnel. ●
Enter
emergency refuges only in case of an actual emergency. If you use equipment
or food from a refuge, inform the nearest research station or the National
Competent Authority that has approved/permitted the visitors activity in
Antarctica once the emergency is over. ●
Respect
any smoking restrictions. Use of combustion style lanterns and naked flames
in or around historic structures is strictly discouraged. Take great care to
safeguard against the danger of fire. This is a real hazard in the dry
environment of Antarctica. |
- Existing protocols, including daily biosecurity procedures and maintaining minimum distances from wildlife, are an essential part of protecting Antarctica.
In addition, it is required that you:
● Do not sit, kneel or lay down.
● Do not place any equipment on the ground or snow.
[1] It
is acknowledged that exceptions to the application of elements of these
guidelines may be made for scientific and official governmental activities if
the realization of these activities so require and if prior approval has been
given by the National Competent Authority and the activity meets all
requirements of the relevant national authority.
[2] A
ship is defined as a vessel which carries more than 12 passengers.