Environmental Protection in the Antarctic

Maggie KnuthEnvironmental Policy, Office of Polar Programs

Picture by Zee Evans

NSF and its grantees are responsible for conscientious stewardship of the Antarctic

environment, and for conducting activities in ways that minimize or mitigate human

impacts on the environment.

Pictures by Glenn Grant, Henry Kaiser, Peter Rejcek

21 – 22 August 2006U.S. Antarctic Program, New Investigators

workshop

OverviewOverview

• The Protocol on

Environmental

Protection to the

Antarctic Treaty• U.S. law• Permitting process• Enforcement

21 – 22 August 2006U.S. Antarctic Program, New Investigators

workshop

The Protocol on Environmental The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic TreatyProtection to the Antarctic Treaty

• Treaty signed 1959, entered into force 1961

• Protocol signed 1991, entered into force 1998

• Five annexes to the Protocol:I. Environmental impact assessments

II. Conservation of flora and fauna

III. Waste management

IV. Prevention of marine pollution

V. Area protection and management

21 – 22 August 2006U.S. Antarctic Program, New Investigators

workshop

US LawUS Law

• U.S. obligations under the Treaty and the Protocol are implemented thru the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 (ACA), as amended by the Antarctic Science, Tourism, and Conservation Act of 1996

• Applies to all U.S. citizens and any USAP participant (regardless of nationality)

21 – 22 August 2006U.S. Antarctic Program, New Investigators

workshop

Antarctic Conservation ActAntarctic Conservation Act

It is unlawful, unless authorized by permit, to:• ‘Take’ native mammals or birds• Engage in harmful interference• Enter specially protected areas

– Special restrictions as part of permit conditions

• Introduce non-native species• Introduce substances designated as pollutants• Discharge designated pollutants or wastes• Import certain Antarctic items into the U.S.

ACA EnforcementACA Enforcement

• Responsible for ensuring compliance, conducting investigations, and helping people understand their obligations under the ACA

• Certain NSF employees are trained Antarctic Conservation Act (ACA) enforcement officers

• Penalties for violation of the ACA can be up to $10,000 fine and one year imprisonment

21 – 22 August 2006U.S. Antarctic Program, New Investigators

workshop

Permitting ProcessPermitting Process

• Grantees must indicate whether their activities will require a permit– Primarily for “taking” or entry into protected areas

– Use of pollutants and waste management governed under Master Permit held by the support contractor

• Permit application submitted to NSF Permit Office– Minimum 65-day review process

• NSF responsible for administering ACA and its permit system

http://www.cep.aq/apa/index.html

Welcome to the Antarctic Protected Areas Information Archive. The Archive provides an

overview of the Antarctic Protected Area system, information on sites, location maps, detailed

management plans and maps, site photographs, permit information and more... links are also

made to other sites where information resources are available on-line.

Handling or Sampling Handling or Sampling Native Mammals or BirdsNative Mammals or Birds

Pictures by Michael Hoffman and Katy Jensen

Field CampsField Camps

Picture by Emily Stone

21 – 22 August 2006U.S. Antarctic Program, New Investigators

workshop

Other RequirementsOther Requirements

USDA regulations for import of biological material into the U.S.

New Zealand requirements for import of samples (biological, soil, restricted chemicals)

Permits for transshipment of certain materials through New Zealand, Chile, Argentina (biological and low level rads)

The support contractor can provide assistance with these requirements

RememberRemember• Location, location, location

– Station vs. sea ice camp vs. Dry Valleys; ASMA vs. ASPA

• Nature of activities– Flora/fauna sampling, drilling, instrument installation,

etc.

Request permits from NSF (and others as appropriate) in advance!

YOU are an integral part of USAP environmental stewardship.

When in doubt, ask

your Program Manager, the Permit Officer or the Environmental Officer