Protecting Antarctica
Antarctica and the Southern Ocean are at a crossroads. As the climate continues to warm and human activity in this remote wilderness increases, urgent protection is needed to secure a safe future for Antarctica and its remarkable ecosystems.
What’s happening?
PROTECTING ANTARCTICA
Humans have been visiting, researching and working in Antarctica for over 200 years. Despite efforts to minimize our footprint, our presence has had an impact on this fragile wilderness.
Emerging threats such as the climate crisis, and growing industries like krill fisheries are destabilizing the delicate balance of Antarctic ecosystems. Expanding shipping in the Southern Ocean increases the risk of maritime incidents, including oil spills and maritime pollution.
Urgent protection is needed to build resilient ecosystems and prevent irreversible damage at this time of rapid change. ASOC advocates for a precautionary approach and strong, enforceable environmental protection at the highest level of Antarctic governance.
PROTECTING ANTARCTICA
Antarctica is changing
Human activity in Antarctica is increasing. While the Antarctic Treaty System provides a valuable framework for protecting parts of Antarctica, it is not enough. Be part of the push for positive change as we work for stronger environmental protection for Antarctica in the following areas.
Why it’s important
antarctic protection
Everything is connected.
Antarctic life interacts with the rest of the ocean in many ways that benefit humans. Tiny plants and animals living under seasonal sea ice absorb carbon dioxide, helping to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and keep the planet cool.
Whales that feed on the abundant krill in Antarctic waters migrate north in the winter, fertilizing the ocean with their nutrient-rich, lifegiving feces. These priceless ecosystem services are performed for free every day.
Exactly how changes in the Antarctic marine environment will affect humans remains a great unknown.
This uncertainty is part of why it is so important that we protect these fragile ecosystems from the unpredictable, irreversible changes caused by the climate crisis and other human activities.

PROTECTING ANTARCTICA
What ASOC is doing
We continue to work with our members, partners and a global network of Antarctic advocates to raise the profile of the Southern Ocean, world-leading science and the urgent need for Antarctic protection, both on land and at sea.
PROTECTING ANTARCTICA
How we work
As the only environmental NGO invited to observe Antarctic Treaty meetings, we represent the Antarctic conservation community at the highest levels of Antarctic governance. We work within the system to protect Antarctica in the following ways.

Liability
ASOC advocates for strengthening liability and accountability for states and operators who cause damage to the Antarctic environment, threatening its land, waters, and species.

Protocol
ASOC supports the full and effective implementation of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty.

Advocacy
As the only official environmental NGO observer to the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings, ASOC advocates for science-based policies within the existing Antarctic governance framework.

Science
ASOC acknowledges and supports the world-class climate research conducted by Antarctic researchers.
“The global coronavirus pandemic has made it clear that we need to change our behavior and work to protect nature instead of exploiting it. ASOC calls on CCAMLR to demonstrate leadership and fulfill their commitment to meaningful protection of the Southern Ocean.”
Claire Christian
Executive Director, Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition