Science and Stewardship in the Antarctic (1993) / Chapter Skim
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Human Activity in Antarctica
Human Activity in Antarctica
Pages 22-31
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From page 22... ...
In recent years, the world political and social climate has caused human activity in the antarctic region to rise sharply, primarily for two reasons: (1) nations that historicallywere not involved in antarctic exploration have sought representation in the antarctic community and have established scientific bases so that they may participate; and (2)
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From page 23... ...
Marine temperatures in the region are less severe than over the antarctic land mass. During the winter, when sea ice is present and darkness prevails, it is extremely cold, but as spring arrives and the sea ice melts, temperatures rise and human activities become quite feasible.
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From page 24... ...
The harshness of the antarctic environment imposes an extra measure of difficulty on everyone who works or visits there. People inexperienced with these conditions quickly learn that additional time and effort are required tO accomplish even seemingly simple tasks.
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From page 25... ...
Whale populations by then had dropped to extremely low numbers; under pressure from public opinion, the International Whaling Commission declared a moratorium on the commercial take of whales. Particularly in the Antarctic Peninsula region, many beaches, especially those close to whale processing facilities or anchorages used by whaling vessels, contain large whale bones as mute testimony to this past activity.
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From page 26... ...
0.2 o.s o o.s SEALS , , , ~ , 3 2 WHALES FISH KRILl 1800 18~0 1900 19~0 2000 Years FIGURE 2.3 The tonnages of commercial catches taken from the antarctic marine ecosystem. Source: Laws (1989~.
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From page 27... ...
Kennedy, National Science Foundation, personal communication, 1993~. The 1992-93 season saw the widest range of vessels used to date, including private yachts, ice-strengthened expedition ships, nonstrengthened cruise ships, and icebreakers.
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From page 28... ...
Kennedy, National Science Foundation, personal communication (1993~.
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From page 29... ...
Human Activi~ u~ Antarctica 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 co ~ co u~ ~ cr)
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From page 30... ...
Since 1984, the dominant company has been Adventure Network International. This organization takes expeditioners, photographers, and mountain climbers to many inland destinations, including the geographical South Pole and the highest mountain peaks in Antarctica.
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From page 31... ...
The Protocol covers all human activities that have environmental impacts, but its primary concern is with scientific programs and tourism. It seems likely that commercial fishing activities will influence scientific programs in the marine system and perhaps those in coastal regions as well.
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