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  5. 31. Northeast beach of Ardley Island

31. Northeast beach of Ardley Island
31.Northeast beach of Ardley Island
 
62º13´00´´S, 58º55´00´´W
Beach sector between Faro Point and Braillard Point, on the Northeast coast of Ardley Island, Maxwell Bay, King George Island, South Shetland Islands.
Latest Revision: 2011
 
Key Features
 
- Gentoo and Adèlie penguins
 
Description
TOPOGRAPHY
A cobble beach extending approximately 500 metres, between two rocky points (Faro and Braillard), gently sloping up to the foot of rocky outcrops situated inland. On the western half of the site, these mark a clearly defined change of slope, which becomes less evident towards the eastern half.
FAUNA
Breed in surroundings of the site: Antarctic tern, Black-bellied storm petrel, Cape petrel, chinstrap Penguin, Kelp gull, Skua, Southern giant petrel, Wilson's storm petrel.
Confirmed breeders: Adélie penguin, Gentoo penguin.
Regularly haul out: Antarctic fur seal, Southern elephant seal, Weddell seal.
FLORA
Polychromatic lichen associations can be found on the outcrop walls. Small patches of mosses and the green alga Prasiola crispa can be found on some areas close to the shoreline.
OTHER
The whole Ardley Island, except for this site, is an Antarctic Specially Protected Area (ASPA 150) under the Antarctic Treaty. Therefore, entry is prohibited without a permit issued by an Antarctic National Competent Authority. Diverse scientific activities are carried out in the island and it is usual to meet researchers in this site.
 
Visitor Impact
KNOWN IMPACTS
Disturbance of fauna and trampling of vegetation.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
Additional disturbance of fauna.
 
Landing Requirements
VISITORS
Maximum number of visitors at any time, exclusive of expedition guides and leaders: 20
Visitors per guide: 10
Comments: Personnel from stations located in the surroundings of Ardley should be briefed in and follow the provisions of these Guidelines.
 
Visitor Area
LANDING AREA
Access only by sea at Faro Point, the site’s westernmost point, just below the lighthouse.
CLOSED AREA
Entry into the ASPA 150 is prohibited without a permit.
GUIDED WALKING AREA
Visitors should be guided throughout the site. Special care should be taken around the first outcrops of Braillard Point, in order to avoid entry into the ASPA 150. This sector’s topography does not allow for a clear recognition of the site’s southern limit, which is given by the presence of the first line of penguin nests to the South and East.
FREE ROAMING AREA
None.
 
 
Visitor code of conduct
BEHAVIOUR ASHORE
  • Animals should never be touched.
  • Avoid disrupting penguin routes to and from the sea. Always give animals the right-of-way.
  • Be careful near fur seals, they may be aggressive. Keep at least 15m distance.
  • Do not walk on any vegetation.
  • Respect conduct of scientific activities. Avoid interrupting researchers at work.
  • 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
Differences between low and high tide at the site may be higher than 2m. Check tide tables when planning visits to the site.
When approaching the landing site at low tide, be particularly careful, since big boulders are present in the bottom.
Four different huts can be seen from the visitor site, but these lie beyond its boundaries, inside the Antarctic Specially Protected Area. These huts should not be used, except in cases of emergency.
 
View to the site from Faro Hill. Entry into the ASPA (red area) is prohibited without a permit.
 
View to the site from Faro Point, the landing point to visit this site. Entry into the ASPA (red area) is prohibited without a permit. View to the site from South of Braillard Point, eastern area of the Northeast beach in Ardley Peninsula (Ardley Island). Entry into the ASPA (red area) is prohibited without a permit.
 
 
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