Conservation and the Antarctic environment: the working group reports of the joint IUCN/SCAR symposium on the scientific requirements for Antarctic conservation

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1987 · Environ. Int.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0160-4120(87)90052-3· OSTI ID:6552041

Bonner, W N; Angel, M V

Six working groups were set up at the joint IUCN/SCAR Symposium on the scientific requirements for Antarctic conservation. These were charged with (i) identifying gaps in the scientific understanding of ecosystems that inhibit rational management, and (ii) considering whether present conservation practices were taking enough account of what is known of the region, particularly with regard to protected areas. There is still a need for synthesis and further work on stocks and the life history of krill in the pelagic ecosystem. Studies of crabeater seals deserve priority. The network of existing protected areas is inadequate for preserving all species of birds, seals and whales; new criteria are needed for effective conservation. On land, the Agreed Measures provide an adequate framework for conservation, though additional steps are needed to ensure adherence to their provisions. Selection criteria are deficient and additional measures are required. Commercial mineral exploitation in the Antarctic is a long way in the future but exploitation could result from political motives. There is a need for a data base for the design of investigations and impact assessment. Operational hazards need to be modelled in advance. The relevance of existing drilling technology (both for mining and for deep stratographical information) onshore and offshore, and the applicability of Arctic experience to future operations in the Antarctic need to be assessed. Operational hazards, such as icebergs, pressures encountered while drilling, well blow-outs, and oil spills, need to the anticipated and modelled in advance.

• Research Organization: Scott Polar Research Institute, Cambridge, England
• OSTI ID: 6552041
• Journal Information: Environ. Int.; (United States), Vol. 13:1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ANTARCTIC REGIONS
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
RESOURCE CONSERVATION
PETROLEUM
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
BASELINE ECOLOGY
BIRDS
EXPLORATION
MINERALS
OIL SPILLS
ANIMALS
ECOLOGY
ENERGY SOURCES
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
POLAR REGIONS
VERTEBRATES
020900* - Petroleum- Environmental Aspects
520200 - Environment
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