ASOC
From its discovery over 200 years ago to the designation of the Ross Sea MPA in 2016, this timeline highlights key events that have shaped Antarctic policy and conservation.
1820: Discovery of Antarctica
Three separate expeditions claimed the discovery of Antarctica in 1820, marking the beginning of human awareness of the continent. These expeditions were led by Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen (Russia), Edward Bransfield (Britain), and Nathaniel Palmer (USA).
1904: First Permanent Research Stations
The first permanent research station in Antarctica was Base Orcadas, established by Argentina in 1904 on Laurie Island in the South Orkney Islands. Argentina has been operating and maintaining this station continuously ever since, making it not only the first permanent research station in Antarctica, but also the one with the longest uninterrupted record of scientific observations on the continent.
1911: Reaching the South Pole
In December 1911, Roald Amundsen from Norway and Robert Falcon Scott from Britain reached the South Pole, just 33 days apart. Amundsen’s team was the first to arrive on December 14, followed by Scott’s on January 17, 1912.
1957-1958: The International Geophysical Year
The International Geophysical Year was a significant event during which 12 countries collaborated, setting aside political and legal differences to focus on scientific research in Antarctica. These discussions laid the groundwork for the Antarctic Treaty.
1959: The Antarctic Treaty
In 1959, the Antarctic Treaty was signed by the 12 nations that collaborated in the IGY: Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, the UK, the US, the Soviet Union, Japan, South Africa, and Belgium. The Treaty, which came into force in 1961, declared the region south of 60 degrees latitude a zone for peace and science, free of military activity, and remains the only treaty governing an entire continent.
1964: Measure for the Conservation of Antarctic Flora and Fauna
The first measure under the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) was agreed upon in 1964. This measure, which took effect in 1982, focused on the conservation of Antarctic flora and fauna, designating specially protected species and areas.
1972: Conservation of Antarctic Seals
The Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals was signed in 1972 and entered into force in 1978. The objective of the convention was the protection, scientific study, and rational use of six seal species within the treaty zone.
1980: Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources
The Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CAMLR Convention) was signed in 1980 and came into effect in 1982, establishing the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), which aims to preserve marine life in and around Antarctica.
1989: CCAMLR Ecosystem Monitoring Program
In 1985, the CCAMLR Ecosystem Monitoring Program (CEMP) was established to monitor and record the fishing and harvesting of marine life around Antarctica. CEMP focuses on distinguishing changes due to climate from those resulting from commercial harvesting.
1991: Protocol on Environmental Protection (Madrid Protocol)
Adopted in 1991 and entering into force in 1998, the Madrid Protocol significantly enhanced environmental protection in Antarctica, designating it as a “natural reserve, devoted to peace and science.” It prohibits activities related to the extraction of natural resources, except for scientific purposes, and mandates regular reviews every 50 years.
1994: Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary
The International Whaling Commission (IWC) established the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary in 1994, providing a safe haven for whales and banning commercial whaling in the region.
2007: International Polar Year
The International Polar Year in 2007 was a large scientific program focusing on the Arctic and Antarctic, fostering international collaboration and research.
2009: Commitment to Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
In 2009, CCAMLR committed to designating a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to protect the unique marine ecosystems of the Antarctic.
2009: South Orkney Islands Southern Shelf MPA
CCAMLR established the world’s first high seas MPA, the South Orkney Islands Southern Shelf, in 2009.
2012: Framework for MPAs
In 2012, CCAMLR adopted a framework for MPAs to guide their establishment, emphasizing specific research objectives and management plans.
2016: Ross Sea MPA
CCAMLR established the second CCAMLR MPA, the Ross Sea, in 2016. This area is now one of the largest marine protected areas in the world.
2017: Polar Code for Ships
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted the Polar Code in 2017, regulating ships operating in Arctic and Antarctic waters to ensure safety and environmental protection.
CCAMLR has a rich history of successful negotiations, even during highly geopolitical tense moments like the Cold War. However, recent stalemates have hindered progress. It’s crucial for CCAMLR to recommit to the principles of the Convention and take decisive action to protect Antarctica.