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  5. 5. Goudier Island

5. Goudier Island
5.Goudier Island
 
64º49´00´´S, 63º29´00´´W
Located in Port Lockroy on the western side of Wiencke Island
Latest Revision: 2006
 
Key Features
 
- Historic British Base A, Port Lockroy
- Gentoo Penguins
- Glacial Scenery
 
Description
TOPOGRAPHY
Goudier Island is a small low-lying rocky island. At the beginning of the season, fast ice is likely to surround much of it. Snow cover melts back during the summer.
FAUNA
Confirmed breeders: Crabeater Seal, Dominican gull, Gentoo penguin, Snowy sheathbill, Subantarctic Skua.
Regularly haul out: Weddell seal.
FLORA
Buellia spp. and Verrucaria spp. are present. Verrucaria serpuloides (the only known marine lichen in the world) is restricted to this area, occurring from the low tide mark to ca. 10 metres depth. The green alga Prasiola crispa is frequent.
OTHER
“Base A” is designated as Historic Site and Monument No. 61 under the Antarctic Treaty. It is operated by the United Kingdom as a living museum. In addition to Bransfield House (the main base building), there is a boat shed, building foundations and a number of associated artifacts on Goudier Island.
 
Visitor Impact
KNOWN IMPACTS
The base staff monitor the population and breeding success of the gentoo penguins on the island. Despite high numbers of visitors, there has been no discernible impact on the breeding success of this colony.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
Fire. Minor fuel spills. Disturbance of wildlife and the monitoring programme.
 
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: 60
Visitors per guide: 20
Curfew time period (from/to), in order to establish a rest period for wildlife: 18:00-07:00
Comments: No more than 350 visitors per day. “Base A” and the associated artifacts on the island are owned and managed by the United Kingdom. Visits to the base may only take place with the prior agreement of the Base Leader. No more than 35 visitors are allowed inside the base at any one time. Please respect the privacy of the occupants of the Base and do not land visitors ashore between 18:00hrs and 07:00hrs (local time), without express agreement from the Base Leader. Where practicable, Expedition Leaders are requested to invite at least one member of the Port Lockroy staff to come aboard the vessel to brief passengers and staff prior to any visit taking place.

It is the UK’s policy to only allow visits from Government or IAATO Member vessels. Visitors enter the base at their own risk and neither the British Antarctic Survey, the United Kingdom Heritage Trust, nor the UK authorities will be liable for any personal injury or damage to property that may be sustained.
 
Visitor Area
LANDING AREA
The preferred site is on the west side of the island next to the whalers’ mooring chains. When this is not accessible, an alternative is located on the north side of Goudier Island opposite the boat shed.
CLOSED AREA
The eastern side of the island is roped off and marked as an undisturbed area.
GUIDED WALKING AREA
None.
FREE ROAMING AREA
Visitors should use the two paths (shown on the map) which are maintained for access to and from the base. With the permission of the Base Leader, visitors may also roam freely, but under close supervision, except in the closed areas. However, 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
  • As far as practicable, any snow or moisture from clothes and backpacks should be brushed off.
  • Be aware that there is restricted visitor space on the island and particular caution should be exercised to avoid disturbing the wildlife.
  • Be careful around the base buildings, structures and remains. Do not move or damage the whaling artefacts on the island. Before entering the base, all boots should be cleaned.
  • Before entering the hut, visitors should clean their boots. Removing snow and humidity from clothes and backpacks is recommended.
  • Do not touch any artifacts on display, or any personal possessions of the staff who live at the base. Smoking is strictly prohibited.
  • Smoking is strictly prohibited.
  • Walk slowly and carefully. Maintain a precautionary distance of 5 metres from wildlife and give animals the right-of-way. Increase this distance if any change in behaviour is observed.
CAUTIONARY NOTES
Be aware that this site can be particularly muddy, wet and slippery.
 
“Base A”, Goudier Island, Port Lockroy
 
 
 
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