SCAR’s Code of Conduct for the Exploration and Research of Subglacial Aquatic Environments
The Representatives,
Recalling Article 3 of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (“the Protocol”), which requires that activities in the Antarctic Treaty area shall be planned and conducted so as to limit adverse impacts on the Antarctic environment and dependent and associated ecosystems;
Recognising that subglacial aquatic environments in Antarctica may support exceptional and potentially unique and diverse microbiological communities and consequently may be of high scientific value;
Recognising also the growing scientific interest in subglacial research;
Acknowledging that these environments may be at risk from impacts associated with research activities, including through the introduction of non-native microbial species or release of contaminants;
Welcoming the development by the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (“SCAR”) through broad consultation, including with the input of the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (“COMNAP”), of SCAR’s Code of Conduct for the Exploration and Research of Subglacial Aquatic Environment that Parties can apply and use, as appropriate, to assist with meeting their obligations under the Protocol;
Recommend that their Governments:
1. endorse the non-mandatory SCAR’s Code of Conduct for the Exploration and Research of Subglacial Aquatic Environments (“the Code of Conduct”) as representing current best practice for planning and undertaking activities in subglacial aquatic environments in Antarctica; and
2. encourage the consideration of the Code of Conduct during the environmental impact assessment process for activities to be conducted within subglacial aquatic environments and encourage their researchers to be fully conversant with and adhere to the contents of the Code of Conduct in conducting research activities on subglacial aquatic environments.
The Representatives,
Recalling Article 3 of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (“the Protocol”), which requires that activities in the Antarctic Treaty area shall be planned and conducted so as to limit adverse impacts on the Antarctic environment and dependent and associated ecosystems;
Recognising that subglacial aquatic environments in Antarctica may support exceptional and potentially unique and diverse microbiological communities and consequently may be of high scientific value;
Recognising also the growing scientific interest in subglacial research;
Acknowledging that these environments may be at risk from impacts associated with research activities, including through the introduction of non-native microbial species or release of contaminants;
Welcoming the development by the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (“SCAR”) through broad consultation, including with the input of the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (“COMNAP”), of SCAR’s Code of Conduct for the Exploration and Research of Subglacial Aquatic Environment that Parties can apply and use, as appropriate, to assist with meeting their obligations under the Protocol;
Recommend that their Governments:
1. endorse the non-mandatory SCAR’s Code of Conduct for the Exploration and Research of Subglacial Aquatic Environments (“the Code of Conduct”) as representing current best practice for planning and undertaking activities in subglacial aquatic environments in Antarctica; and
2. encourage the consideration of the Code of Conduct during the environmental impact assessment process for activities to be conducted within subglacial aquatic environments and encourage their researchers to be fully conversant with and adhere to the contents of the Code of Conduct in conducting research activities on subglacial aquatic environments.
