Environmental Protection in the Antarctic

1. Environmental Protection in the Antarctic Maggie Knuth Environmental Policy, Office of Polar Programs Picture by Zee Evans

2. NSF and its grantees are responsible for conscientiousstewardship of the Antarctic environment, and for conducting activities in ways that minimize or mitigate human impacts on the environment. Pictures by Glenn Grant, Henry Kaiser, Peter Rejcek

3. Overview • The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty • U.S. law • Permitting process • Enforcement U.S. Antarctic Program, New Investigators workshop

4. The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty • Treaty signed 1959, entered into force 1961 • Protocol signed 1991, entered into force 1998 • Five annexes to the Protocol: I. Environmental impact assessments II. Conservation of flora and fauna III. Waste management IV. Prevention of marine pollution V. Area protection and management U.S. Antarctic Program, New Investigators workshop

5. US Law • U.S. obligations under the Treaty and the Protocol are implemented thru the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 (ACA), as amended by the Antarctic Science, Tourism, and Conservation Act of 1996 • Applies to all U.S. citizens and any USAP participant (regardless of nationality) U.S. Antarctic Program, New Investigators workshop

6. Antarctic Conservation Act It is unlawful, unless authorized by permit, to: • ‘Take’ native mammals or birds • Engage in harmful interference • Enter specially protected areas • Special restrictions as part of permit conditions • Introduce non-native species • Introduce substances designated as pollutants • Discharge designated pollutants or wastes • Import certain Antarctic items into the U.S. U.S. Antarctic Program, New Investigators workshop

7. Penalties for violation of the ACA can be up to $10,000 fine and one year imprisonment ACA Enforcement • Certain NSF employees are trained Antarctic Conservation Act (ACA) enforcement officers • Responsible for ensuring compliance, conducting investigations, and helping people understand their obligations under the ACA

8. Permitting Process • NSF responsible for administering ACA and its permit system • Grantees must indicate whether their activities will require a permit • Primarily for “taking” or entry into protected areas • Use of pollutants and waste management governed under Master Permit held by the support contractor • Permit application submitted to NSF Permit Office • Minimum 65-day review process U.S. Antarctic Program, New Investigators workshop

9. http://www.cep.aq/apa/index.html

10. Handling or Sampling Native Mammals or Birds Pictures by Michael Hoffman and Katy Jensen

11. Field Camps Picture by Emily Stone

12. Other Requirements • USDA regulations for import of biological material into the U.S. • New Zealand requirements for import of samples (biological, soil, restricted chemicals) • Permits for transshipment of certain materials through New Zealand, Chile, Argentina (biological and low level rads) • The support contractor can provide assistance with these requirements U.S. Antarctic Program, New Investigators workshop

13. Remember • Location, location, location • Station vs. sea ice camp vs. Dry Valleys; ASMA vs. ASPA • Nature of activities • Flora/fauna sampling, drilling, instrument installation, etc. Request permits from NSF (and others as appropriate) in advance!

14. YOU are an integral part of USAP environmental stewardship. When in doubt, ask your Program Manager, the Permit Officer or the Environmental Officer