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  5. 29. Damoy Point

29. Damoy Point

29.Damoy Point
 
64º49´00´´S, 63º31´00´´W
Dorian Bay, Wiencke Island
Latest Revision: 2013
 
Key Features
 
-Historic British and Argentine field huts
-Gentoo penguin colony
-Glacial scenery
 
Description
TOPOGRAPHY
Damoy Point is a rocky isthmus off the west coast of Wiencke Island, Antarctic Peninsula.
FAUNA
Confirmed breeders: Antarctic tern, Gentoo penguin, Kelp gull, Subantarctic Skua.
Present late in the season: Fur seal.
Regularly haul out: Weddell seal.
Seen off-shore: Crabeater Seal, Leopard seal.
FLORA
5 species of lichen and 3 species of moss have been reported from Damoy Point, in addition to the common green alga Prasiola crispa.
OTHER
Damoy Hut is designated as Historic Site and Monument No. 84. It sits approximately 100 metres from the shoreline of Dorian Bay. The hut was established by the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) in November 1975 and was used as a transit station for BAS staff and stores to be flown south from the skiway on the glacier above the hut to Rothera Research Station when sea ice prevented access by ship. It was last occupied by BAS in 1993.
The Bahía Dorian hut was established by the Argentine Navy on February 23rd, 1953. It sits in very close proximity to the British Hut and covers an area of c. 12 square metres. The hut has been used as an emergency refuge.
 
Visitor Impact
KNOWN IMPACTS
None known.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
Fire. Minor fuel spills. Disturbance of wildlife and trampling of vegetation.
 
Landing Requirements
SHIPS*
Max pax on board: 500
Ships at a time: 1
Comments: Ships carrying 500 or fewer passengers (however, note visitor restrictions below). Maximum 3 ships per day (midnight to midnight), of which no more than 1 can carry over 200 passengers.
* A ship is defined as a vessel which carries more than 12 passengers.
VISITORS
Maximum number of visitors at any time, exclusive of expedition guides and leaders: 100
Comments: No more than 10 visitors are allowed inside Damoy hut at any one time**.
Damoy Hut was proposed as HSM 84 by the UK. Visits to this hut may only take place with prior permission given by a Party. The Party undertaking management of the site should also be informed prior to the visit. The Argentine hut should only be accessed by visitors in cases of emergency.
**Visitors enter the base at their own risk and the UK authorities will not be liable for any personal injury or damage to property that may be sustained.
 
Visitor Area
LANDING AREA
The preferred landing site is in Dorian Bay, immediately adjacent to the field huts.
CLOSED AREA
None.
GUIDED WALKING AREA
None.
FREE ROAMING AREA
Visitors may roam freely under supervision (but see cautionary notes below).
 
 
Visitor code of conduct
BEHAVIOUR ASHORE
  • A record of each visit should be left in the Visitors Book, located in the base.
  • All boots and outdoor clothing should be cleaned of snow and grit before entering the building. All backpacks and large bags should be left outside the hut.
  • All the hut windows are covered with easily removable shutters. They should be removed by the first visitors of the season, stored inside and the Port Lockroy team informed. Artefacts or other items should not be handled or removed from the site. Do not sit on chairs or other furniture, or lay objects down on tables or work surfaces. Do not graffiti rocks or buildings.
  • All visits are to be conducted in accordance with the General Guidelines for Visitors to the Antarctic.
  • Expedition Leaders should report any damage to the hut to the UK, as the Party undertaking management of the site. Any damage to the Argentine hut should be informed to Argentina.
  • In addition to ensuring that nothing is left behind, all camping field parties should ensure that any snow holes dug for tents or similar are filled-in prior to departing to avoid potential impact on wildlife or on wilderness values.
  • Loose gravel, mud and snow should be swept up, and floors wiped dry after each visit.
  • No overnight stays in the hut are allowed. The hut is available for educational visits and, except in emergency circumstances, should not be used for any other purpose.
  • Smoking and the use of candles, matches or stoves are prohibited in and around the hut.
  • Visitors are to leave the base clean, dry, safe and fully closed up on departure.
CAUTIONARY NOTES
Boat drivers should be aware of rocks on the entrance to Dorian Bay.
Brash ice can collect rapidly within Dorian Bay, preventing access to or from the site. If overnight camping is planned, the shore party should maintain an ice watch throughout the time spent ashore.
The glacier between Jabet Peak and Damoy Point is crevassed and dangerous. It should only be accessed by those with suitable experience and training and with suitable equipment (eg, roped access).
 
Shoreline of Dorian Bay showing the preferred landing site and the Argentine and UK huts in the background
 
Damoy Hut (UK), Historic Site and Monument No 84 Interior of Damoy Hut Historic Site and Monument No 84
 
 
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