Limiting trips to Antarctic

Recently, US proposed a resolution to limit the size of cruise ships and number of tourists visiting ashore to countries of Antarctic Treaty in order to protect sensitive ecosystem and environment. The proposed agreement was the result of rapid increase in number of visitors and cruise ship accidents in Antarctic region. The proposed agreement will prevent ships with more than 500 passengers and maximum of 100 passengers are allowed to be onshore at any given time. Other resolutions discussed at the meeting include putting more safety requirements on ships operating in Antarctic region and requiring minimum of one guide for every 20 tourists. The resolution will become legal when 28 nations in Antarctic Treaty ratify it.

Imposing restrictions on tourism in Antarctic region is necessary because of the rapid increase in number of visitors to the region. According to The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), visitors to Antarctic increased from 6,700 in the 1992-93 seasons to 29,500 in the 2006-07 season and 45,213 in 2008-09. Increase in number of visitors lead to increasing in trips to Antarctic by ships and other means. It became urgent issue when two ships ran aground and spilled gallons of toxic material into the ocean. The most distinct of the two incidents was the sinking of M/S Explorer cruise ship on 23 November, 2007. When M/S Explorer sank, it brought down approximately 185000 L of diesel, 24000 L of lubricants, 1200 L of gasoline along with it. The result was catastrophic. Oil spilled covered 1.5 km of the ocean surface. There are approximately 2,500 penguins nearby area. Contacts with oil spill may reduce buoyancy of birds and aquatic organisms. Ingestion of toxic waste can alter behavior of fishes which may lead to death. Most importantly, disruption in one level food chain affect entire ecosystem. Cleaning up oil spill in extreme weather conditions makes it impossible to carry out proper treatments.

In my opinion, it is essential to have restrictions on tourism to Antarctic. Antarctic region is considered as a natural reserve. It should be treated jus the same as many natural reserves. Visitations to the region should keep it to a minimum as not to disturb and interfere with wildlife. Especially in extreme condition place like Antarctic, little disturbance can have huge impact on the environment and surrounding areas. Although the proposed resolution can be seen as positive gesture, there are other important items missing. I believe any regulations must accompany with enforcements or penalties. The resolution lack enforcement tools. However, it will make a huge difference if proposed agreement is ratified into legal system.