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  5. 10. Pleneau Island

10. Pleneau Island
10.Pleneau Island
 
65º06´00´´S, 64º04´00´´W
Located west of Booth Island at the southern end of the Lemaire Channel.
Latest Revision: 2013
 
Key Features
 
- Iceberg and glacial scenery
- Gentoo penguins
- Glacially smoothed rock terraces
 
Description
TOPOGRAPHY
This island is around 1.2km long. From the cobbled beach on the eastern coast, smooth rock terraces slope gently upwards towards a large crevassed ice-cap, which covers the western two-thirds of the island.
FAUNA
Confirmed breeders: Antarctic tern, Blue-eyed shag, Gentoo penguin, Kelp gull, South Polar Skua.
Regularly haul out: Southern elephant seal, Weddell seal.
Seen off-shore: Leopard seal.
FLORA
Swards of moss species, Caloplaca spp. and other lichens, the green alga Prasiola crispa and snow algae.
 
Visitor Impact
KNOWN IMPACTS
None.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
Disturbance of wildlife and trampling of vegetation.
 
Landing Requirements
SHIPS*
Max pax on board: 500
Ships per day: 3
Comments: * 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
Visitors per guide: 20
Comments: No visitors ashore between 22:00hrs and 04:00hrs (local time), except for those engaged in organised overnight stays. This is in order to establish a resting period for the wildlife.
 
Visitor Area
LANDING AREA
On rocks and boulders on the east-northeastern end, facing Booth Island.
CLOSED AREA
Closed Area A: Antarctic terns nesting area on the northeastern tip of the island.
Closed Area B: Blue-eyed shags nesting area on the northern end of the island.
GUIDED WALKING AREA
None.
FREE ROAMING AREA
Visitors may roam freely, but under supervision, except in the closed areas. Given the irregular topography at this site, guides should be aware that it is more difficult to ensure the necessary supervision of visitors.
 
 
Visitor code of conduct
BEHAVIOUR ASHORE
  • All visits are to be conducted in accordance with the General Guidelines for Visitors to the Antarctic.
  • Be sensitive to terns nesting sites, which may extend beyond the limits shown on the map for Closed Area A.
CAUTIONARY NOTES
The ice cap is likely to be crevassed and should only be visited with appropriately qualified guides and suitable equipment.
 
A large ice cap covers two-thirds of Pleneau Island
 
Free roaming areas feature irregular topography and are scattered with penguins
 
 
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