Antarctic Conservation

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32352, 18 July 1970, Page 12

Antarctic Conservation

If Antarctic wildlife is to be conserved, even the interests of scientists must at times be subordinated to the need to keep the unique ecology of the continent intact Although the countries which have scientific bases in Antarctica have long observed general rules for the preservation of flora and fauna, they are now in the process of giving these rules legislative authority. As the continent attracts more and more visitors, this authority has become necessary to ensure that all who set foot on the continent observe strict conservation measures. When Parliament passes the Antarctica Amendment Bill New Zealand will be able to enforce measures that have been internationally agreed upon as necessary to preserve the birds, mammals, and plants of the Antarctic , continent. The 12 countries that are signatories to the Antarctic Treaty agreed at a meeting in Brussels in 1964 that the treaty area —south of 60 degrees latitude—should be a special conservation area.

Antarctic life is well adapted to its rigorous environment; yet it is so vulnerable to various kinds of invaders that it might be virtually exterminated within a few years. The arrival of man, introduced animals, machines, and accidentally transported parasites and diseases is bound to upset it seriously. The aim of the new law is to reduce this disturbance to a minimum. The general restrictions apply to the whole area; they forbid killing, wounding, capturing, or molesting any native mammal or bird unless permission has been given by one of the Governments bound by the treaty. This permission is intended to meet scientific needs, and it will be given only with due regard for the ability of the species to replace the loss and for the balance of the ecology. Permits affecting specially p,otected species and specially protected areas will be even more restrictive. New Zealand is responsible for four such areas in the Ross Sea Dependency. The treaty countries have agreed that dogs must not run free, that neither vehicles nor aircraft shall be taken unnecessarily close to colonies of birds and seals, and that all reasonable steps must be taken to avoid polluting coastal waters or the ice shelf. In specified areas of outstanding scientific interest no vehicle shall be driven and no plaut collected except for a “compelling scientific purpose”, and then only so long as the ecological system is not endangered. The working of the agreement among the 12 signatories requires the exchange of information on the activities permitted by each country individually. Changes in the measures, or additional measures, will be imposed in the light of individual and collective experience of the treaty countries in the Antarctic. It has taken many years to prepare a code for conservation that can be given legal force. The result is once again an example of how interest in the continent has drawn scientists and Governments together in a pact that puts collective regard for the continent before individual interests, and restrains the hand of man against nature.