Scotland and the Antarctic

Section 7: The legacy of Bruce ... Politics of Antarctica

The Antarctic Treaty

The Antarctic Treaty has led to several important agreements over the protection of the Antarctic continent and its adjacent islands. The main points:

• Military activities are prohibited south of 60°S, although military personnel can work on the bases.
• There is to be complete freedom for scientific research, co-operation and the exchange of ideas.
• All territorial claims are to be set aside.
• The treaty did not initially apply to the sea - only the land and ice shelves - but further agreements have been made to control the fishing in the area.
• All ships and bases should be open to inspection.

Further agreements cover the conservation of flora and fauna, the conservation of Antarctic seals, and the regulation of marine resources. Fishing since the 1970s had resulted in the depletion of certain species. Catches are now limited but it is difficult to check up on rogue vessels fishing in the south.

The environmental protection agreement bans a number of things from the Antarctic including plastics, pesticides and dogs. Any oil, chemicals, garbage and waste have to be removed and any bases which close must leave nothing.