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SCAR Bulletin No 128, January 1998
Measures, Decisions and Resolutions adopted at the
XXIst Antarctic Treaty Consultative
Meeting
Christchurch, New Zealand, 19–30 May 1997
Measure 1 (1997)
Antarctic Protected Areas System
Revised Description and Management Plan for Specially Protected Area SPA 5 Beaufort Island (Annex A)
The Representatives,
Recalling Recommendations XV-8 and XV-9/VIII-3
Noting that revised and new Area Descriptions and Proposed Management Plans have been endorsed by the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR);
Noting also that the format of the revised and new Area Descriptions and proposed Management Plans accord with Article 5 of Annex V of the Protocol on Environ
mental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty adopted under recommendation XVI-10;
Recommend to their Governments the following Measure for approval in accordance with paragraph 4 of Article IX of the Antarctic Treaty:
For Specially Protected Area No 5 Beaufort Island (Annex A)
- That the Description inserted in Annex B, Specially Protected Areas, of the Agreed Measures for the Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora shall be deleted.
- That the Description and Management Plan of the Specially Protected Area at Annex A shall be inserted in Annex B, Specially Protected Areas, of the Agreed Measures for the Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora.
Annex A
Management Plan for Specially Protected Area (SPA) No.
5
Beaufort Island, McMurdo Sound, Ross Sea
1. Description of values to be protected
Beaufort Island was originally designated in Recommendation IV-5 (1966, SPA No. 5) after a proposal by New Zealand on the grounds that it "contains substantial and varied avifauna, that it is one of the most important breeding grounds in the region, and that it should be protected to preserve the natural ecological system as a reference area". The Area has been set aside primarily to protect the site's ecological values and these reasons for long-term special protection still apply.
The island comprises a variety of terrain and habitats: gently sloping ice-free ground with summer ponds and small meltwater streams draining to the coast; moderately sloping ice fields covering much of the west side of the island; and steep, rugged cliffs on the eastern slopes. Recent investigations indicate the avifauna is not as varied as first thought, but there exists a large Adélie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) colony, a small breeding colony of Emperor penguins (Aptenodytes forsteri), and several breeding colonies of South polar skua (Catharacta maccormicki). The boundaries of the Area, which previously excluded the Emperor colony, have been extended to include fast-ice occupied by breeding birds.
Site visits in January 1995 and 1997 discovered and described a significant area of vegetation previously unrecorded on an ice-cored moraine bench of up to 50 m wide and 5–7 m above the beach on the north of the island. The vegetation is exceptional both in its quantity and quality, and is the most extensive, continuous area of mosses yet known for the McMurdo Sound region. Although the area is extensive (approximately 2.5 ha), the moss community is dominated by a single species, Bryum argenteum: the essentially monospecific character of the site is also unique. The site enjoys warm summer temperatures because of its northerly aspect and shelter from southerly winds by high ice cliffs. The local microclimate, stability of the substrate and supply of water from the nearby ice-cliffs and snow banks are favourable for vegetation growth. As a result there is also a diverse community of algae, and while a detailed algal survey has not yet been undertaken, Prasiola crispa is particularly abundant throughout the site, together with a number of unicellular chlorophytes and xanthophytes (including Botrydiopsis and Pseudo-coccomyxa), and cyanobacteria (particularly scillatorians) mixed with the Prasiola. Green snow algae, a mixture of Chloromonas and Klebsormidium, are present as well as the red snow algae Chlamydomonas sp, Chloromonas sp, and Chlamydomonas nivalis. This represents one of the most southerly locations where red snow algae have been observed. The exceptional plant communities at this site are fragile and vulnerable to disturbance and destruction by trampling, sampling and/or through foreign introductions. Conservation of the ecological and scientific values of this community are important reasons for special protection at Beaufort Island.
As an isolated island difficult of access, the site is known to have been visited only infrequently. Beaufort Island has not been comprehensively studied or documented but is largely undisturbed by direct human activity. In particular, Beaufort Island has been exposed to fewer opportunities for direct exotic biological introductions than many other sites in the Ross Sea. The ecological, scientific and aesthetic values derived from the isolation and relatively low level of human impact are important reasons for special protection at Beaufort Island.
2. Aims and objectives
Management at Beaufort Island aims to:
• avoid degradation of, or substantial risk to, the values of the Area by preventing unnecessary human disturbance to the Area;
• preserve the natural ecosystem as a reference area largely undisturbed by direct human activities;
• allow scientific research on the natural ecosystems, plant communities, avifauna and soils in the Area provided it is for compelling reasons which cannot be served elsewhere;
• minimise human disturbance to plant communities by preventing unnecessary sampling;
• minimise the possibility of introduction of alien plants, animals and microbes to the Area;
• allow visits for management purposes in support of the aims of the management plan.
3. Management activities
The following management activities are to be undertaken to protect the values of the Area:
• Markers, signs or structures erected within the Area for scientific or management purposes shall be secured and maintained in good condition, and removed when no longer necessary.
• Visits shall be made as necessary to assess whether the Area continues to serve the purposes for which it was designated and to ensure management and maintenance measures are adequate.
• National Antarctic Programmes operating in the region shall consult together with a view to ensuring these steps are carried out.
4. Period of designation
Designated for an indefinite period.
5. Maps and photographs
Map A: Beaufort Island regional topographic map. The map is derived from the orthophotograph in Map B, using Map B specifications. Inset: McMurdo Sound, showing Ross Island and the location of McMurdo Station (US) and Scott Base (NZ). The nearest protected areas are SSSI-10 (Caughley Beach) and SPA-20 (New College Valley) at Cape Bird, and SSSI-1 (Cape Royds).
Map B: Beaufort Island regional orthophotograph.
Orthophotograph specifications:
Projection: Lambert conformal conic;
Standard parallels: 1st 76°40'00"S;
2nd 79°20'00"S;
Central Meridian: 167°00'00"E;
Latitude of Origin: 78°01'16.211"S.
Spheroid: WGS84.
The original orthophotograph was prepared at 1:5000 with a positional accuracy of ±2.5 m (horizontal and vertical) with an on-ground pixel resolution of 1 m. Photography: USGS/DoSLI (SN7850) 22 November 1993. (Not reproduced here)
Map C: North Beaufort Island site orthophotograph. Specifications are the same as in Map B. The site of rich vegetation is indicated by hachures. The precise area of fast-ice occupied by breeding Emperor penguins is subject to variation both seasonally and inter-annually. (Not reproduced here)
Map D: South Beaufort Island site orthophotograph. Specifications are the same as in Map B. (Not reproduced here)
Figure 1: Perspective view of Beaufort Island from an elevation of 225 m, 900 m out from the preferred Helicopter Pad at an azimuth of 300° W. (Not reproduced here)
6. Description of the Area
6(i) Geographical coordinates, boundary markers and natural features
The designated Area encompasses the whole of Beaufort Island (76°58'S, 167°00'E Map A) above the mean high water mark, and includes adjacent fast-ice occupied by breeding Emperor penguins. The 7 km by 3.2 km island rises to 771 m at Paton Peak. The west side of the island is predominantly an ice field with ice cliffs of about 20 m on the coast, while the east and south sides of the island are largely ice-free, with steep and inaccessible cliffs rising straight from the sea. In view of the isolation of Beaufort Island and the current low levels of shipping activity in the region, boundary markers and signs have not been installed to mark the Area: the need for marking should be re-evaluated at each management plan review.
Beaufort Island is one of a series of late Tertiary volcanic vents that developed along a line of weakness in the Ross Sea floor. The geology is typical of an eroded, sub-aerially produced basaltic complex, with lava flows and explosion breccias and tuffs evident. Many of the volcanic rocks have been intruded by a series of late stage basaltic dikes, and there is evidence of layered ash-fall tuffs and welded spatter flows from local subsidiary cinder and spatter cones. Cadwalader Beach comprises a beach foreland and cuspate spit, backed by steep basaltic cliffs and several talus cones. A series of beach ridges, which are generally occupied by the breeding penguins, have trapped meltwater ponds and mark the growth of the beach face away from the cliffs with time. A series of raised beaches is evident at the northeastern end of the island, some with evidence (quills and guano) of former and apparently substantial penguin colonies. Sub-tidal (abrasion) platforms and massive boulders are found below the highly weathered eastern and southern cliffs.
An Adélie colony of 46,000 pairs (1987 count) occupies the flat area at Cadwalader Beach (Map D). Above the steep cliffs that rise behind the colony, a population of skuas (numbers unknown) nest on more gentle ice-free slopes at the edge of the permanent ice field on the west flank of the island. This ice field is punctuated mid-way by a 2 km line of rocky outcrops at an elevation of approximately 200 m. In the north the ice field broadens into an extensive flat area of less than 50 m elevation, NE of which extends an ice-free beach about 1000 m in length and 50 m wide (Map C). In January 1995 a newly-established, possibly transitory, colony of Adélie penguins (comprising 2 pairs with 3 chicks and approximately 10–15 non-breeders) occupied the west end of this beach. Above the beach, a raised ice-cored moraine terrace (5–20 m elevation, ranging from 2–3 m wide over most of its length but broadening to 20–50 metres at its eastern end) extends for 550 m before rising more steeply toward the unstable basaltic cliffs which persist around the entire eastern side of the island. At least three sub-fossil penguin colony deposits have been identified within the moraine terrace, each layer vertically separated by around 50–100 cm of gravels and sand, suggesting this part of the island had been occupied by a sizable breeding penguin colony in the recent past. The deposits may be useful for determining the age of former penguin colonies in the region.
A population of approximately 100 skuas (1995 count) breeds on the terrace and ice-free slopes leading toward the cliffs. The proportion of breeders to non-breeders in this population is not known, but approximately 25 and 50 chicks were counted in January 1995 and 1997 respectively.
On the fast-ice adjacent to the northern coastal reaches, a small colony of breeding Emperor penguins (1787 pairs at 1976 count; 179 pairs at 1983 count, 1355 adults at October 1994 count) is present annually between the months of approximately April to January. The size of the colony is limited by the areal extent and condition of the fast-ice, which affects the availability of breeding sites in the lee of the northern slopes of Beaufort Island. The precise location of the colony varies from year to year and the colony moves within a breeding season, but the general area of occupation is indicated on Map C.
The ice-free moraine terrace on the north end of the island (Map C) also supports the richest growth of vegetation recorded on Beaufort Island. This vegetation is exceptional both in quantity and quality, and is the most extensive, continuous area of mosses yet known for the McMurdo Sound region. The site enjoys warm summer temperatures (an air temperature +13°C was recorded on 18 January 1997) because of its northerly aspect and shelter from southerly winds by a 20 m high semi-circular ice cliff. The local microclimate, stability of the ground surface and supply of water from the nearby ice-cliffs and snow banks are favourable for vegetation growth. Initially the water forms a diffuse flush but becomes progressively entrained into rivulets that have eroded narrow valleys in the edge of the terrace. The moss community is extensive (approximately 2.5 ha), with much of the site showing 100% ground cover, dominated by a single species, Bryum argenteum. One specimen of another species, Pottia heimii, was found after an extensive search: the essentially monospecific character of the site is also unique. The Bryum occurs in scattered patches at the upper (southern) margin of the bench, adjacent to the annual drift snow at the base of the ice cliff, and more continuous mats (hummocks) occur in the middle of the bench and in areas where spreading water drainage occurs, especially at the eastern end. In the upper (southern) part of the area the Bryum is intermixed with Nostoc colonies (cyanobacterium). At lower and more northerly sites in areas of high water flow the moss may be overgrown with a brown coloured mixed cyanobacterial community, particularly in areas prone to flooding, cryoturbic disturbance and, possibly, skua activity. Bryum argenteum produces dehiscent shoot tips which disperse the plants down stream. Evidence of this dispersal was commonly seen with B argenteum sometimes occurring as small, and probably ephemeral, communities on the beach below the terrace. The moss community is known to support significant populations of mites, but a detailed survey of invertebrates on Beaufort Island has yet to be undertaken.
The vegetation at Beaufort Island is comparable to the upper, wetter parts of the flush at Canada Glacier (SSSI–12), Taylor Valley, Victoria Land. The Canada Glacier flush has a common, second species, Pottia heimii, that grows in drier areas but this was almost completely absent at Beaufort Island. The reason for this is unknown, but could be due to substrate differences, the presence of numerous skuas occupying the drier areas at Beaufort Island, high nutrient levels in the melt water at Beaufort Island, or limited dispersal and colonisation opportunities. At Botany Bay (SSSI-37), Granite Harbour, Victoria Land – a warmer site than at Canada Glacier but at a similar latitude to Beaufort Island – the wetter areas are occupied by the moss Ceratodon purpureus or Bryum argenteum, so that there may be a sequence from wet to dry of C purpureus - B argenteum - P heimii. While there is no understanding as to why C. purpureus is absent at Beaufort Island it is likely that limited dispersal and colonisation opportunities, as well as water nutrient status, may be important.
There is also a diverse community of algae, and while a detailed algal survey has not yet been undertaken, Prasiola crispa is particularly abundant throughout the site, reflecting the high nutrient status and abundance of melt water. A number of unicellular chlorophytes and xanthophytes (including Botrydiopsis and Pseudococcomyxa) and cyanobacteria (particularly scillatorians) were found mixed with the Prasiola. Green snow algae, noticeable as a green band at the lower levels of snow banks above the beach and below the ice cliffs, contained a mixture of Chloromonas and Klebsormidium. The snow and ice cliffs forming the upper edge of the beach also contain a pinkish-brown deposit, consisting largely of fine silty material as well as the red snow algae Chlamydomonas sp, Chloromonas sp, and Chlamydomonas nivalis. This represents one of the most southerly locations where red snow algae have been observed.
During a NZ/US visit in January 1995 abandoned equipment was removed from among the Adélie colony at Cadwalader Beach. No other human impact was visually evident in 1995.
6(ii) Restricted zones within the Area
None.
6(iii) Structures within and near the Area
The only structure known to exist on the island is a signpost on a prominent rock in the Adélie colony at Cadwalader Beach (Map D). The sign, erected in 1959–60, bears the names and home-towns of seamen and the Captain of the HMNZS Endeavour: the sign is set in concrete and was in good condition in January 1995. The sign is of potential historic value and should remain in situ unless there are compelling reasons for its removal, which should be kept under review.
An astronomical survey station is recorded on a map of the island compiled in 1960, but it is unknown whether any associated permanent marker exists. The station is recorded as located at the south end of the main island ridge-line divide at an altitude of 549 m (Map A).
6(iv) Location of other protected areas within close proximity of the Area
The nearest protected areas to Beaufort Island are Caughley Beach (SSSI-10) and New College Valley (SPA-20) located 35 km to the south at Cape Bird, Ross Island. Cape Royds (SSSI-1) is a further 35 km to the south (Inset: Map A).
7. Permit conditions
Entry into the Area is prohibited except in accordance with a Permit issued by appropriate national authorities. Conditions for issuing a Permit to enter the Area are that:
• it is issued only for compelling scientific reasons that cannot be served elsewhere, or for essential management purposes consistent with plan objectives such as inspection or review;
• the actions permitted will not jeopardise the ecological or scientific values of the Area;
• any management activities are in support of the aims of the Management Plan;
• the actions permitted are in accordance with the Management Plan;
• the Permit, or an authorized copy, shall be carried within the Area;
• a visit report shall be supplied to the authority named in the Permit;
• permits shall be issued for a stated period.
7(i) Access to and movement within the Area
Land vehicles are prohibited within the Area and access shall be by small boat or by aircraft. Aircraft should land on the island only at the designated site (76°55'50"S, 166°58'20"E: Map A) on the large flat toe of ice on the north end of the island. Should snow conditions at the designated landing site at the time of visit militate against a safe aircraft landing, a suitable mid- to late-season alternative to the designated landing site may be found at the nominated northern camp site at the western end of northern beach on Beaufort Island. It is preferred that aircraft approach and depart from the designated landing site from the south or west (Map A, Figure 1). When it is found necessary to use the alternative site at the northern beach campsite, practical considerations may dictate a northern approach: when this is the case aircraft shall avoid overflight of the area east of this site indicated on Maps A–C and Figure 1. Use of smoke grenades when landing within the Area is prohibited unless absolutely necessary for safety, and all grenades should be retrieved. There are no special restrictions on where access can be gained to the island by small boat. Pilots, air or boat crew, or other people on aircraft or boats, are prohibited from moving on foot beyond the immediate vicinity of the landing site unless specifically authorised by a Permit.
Overflight of bird breeding areas lower than 750 m (or 2500 ft) is normally prohibited: the areas where these special restrictions apply are shown on Maps A–D and Figure 1. When required for essential scientific or management purposes, transient overflight down to a minimum altitude of 300 m (1000 ft) may be allowed over these areas: conduct of such overflights must be specifically authorised by Permit.
Visitors should avoid unnecessary disturbance to birds, or walking on visible vegetation. Pedestrian traffic should be kept to the minimum consistent with the objectives of any permitted activities and every reasonable effort should be made to minimise effects.
7(Ii) Activities that are or may be conducted in the Area, including restrictions on time or place
• Scientific research that will not jeopardise the ecosystem of the Area and which cannot be served elsewhere;
• Essential management activities, including monitoring.
7(iii) Installation, modification or removal of structures
No structures are to be erected within the Area except as specified in a Permit. All scientific equipment installed in the Area must be approved by Permit and clearly identified by country, name of the principal investigator and year of installation. All such items should be made of materials that pose minimal risk of contamination of the Area. Removal of specific equipment for which the Permit has expired shall be a condition of the Permit.
7(iv) Location of field camps
Camping is permitted only at two designated sites (Maps A–D). The north camping site is located on the flat area north of the designated landing site, on a more sheltered location at the NW end of the beach, 200 m from where several pair of Adélie penguins and skuas nest (if present). The second site is located on the snow 100 m from the northern edge of the large Adélie colony at Cadwalader Beach.
7(v) Restrictions on materials and organisms which can be brought into the Area
No living animals, plant material or microorganisms shall be deliberately introduced into the Area and the precautions listed in 7(ix) below shall be taken against accidental introductions. No herbicides or pesticides shall be brought into the Area. Any other chemicals, including radio-nuclides or stable isotopes, which may be introduced for scientific or management purposes specified in the Permit, shall be removed from the Area at or before the conclusion of the activity for which the Permit was granted. Fuel is not to be stored in the Area, unless required for essential purposes connected with the activity for which the Permit has been granted. All materials introduced shall be for a stated period only, shall be removed at or before the conclusion of that stated period, and shall be stored and handled so that risk of their introduction into the environment is minimised.
7(vi) Taking or harmful interference with native flora or fauna
This is prohibited, except in accordance with a Permit. Where animal taking or harmful interference is involved this should, as a minimum standard, be in accordance with the SCAR Code of Conduct for the Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes in Antarctica.
7(vii) Collection or removal of anything not brought into the Area by the Permit holder
Material may be collected or removed from the Area only in accordance with a Permit and should be limited to the minimum necessary to meet scientific or management needs. Material of human origin likely to compromise the values of the Area, which was not brought into the Area by the Permit Holder or otherwise authorised, may be removed unless the impact of removal is likely to be greater than leaving the material in situ : if this is the case the appropriate authority should be notified.
7(viii) Disposal of waste
All wastes, including all human wastes, shall be removed from the Area.
7(ix) Measures that are necessary to ensure that the aims and objectives of the Management Plan can continue to be met
1. Permits may be granted to enter the Area to carry out biological monitoring and site inspection activities, which may involve the collection of small samples for analysis or review, or for protective measures.
2. Any specific sites of long-term monitoring shall be appropriately marked.
3. To help maintain the ecological and scientific values of the isolation and historically low level of human impact at Beaufort Island visitors shall take special precautions against introductions. Of particular concern are microbial or vegetation introductions sourced from soils at other Antarctic sites, including stations, or from regions outside Antarctica. Visitors shall take the following measures to minimise the risk of introductions:
4. Any sampling equipment or markers brought into the Area shall be sterilised and, to the maximum extent practicable, maintained in a sterile condition before being used within the Area. To the maximum extent practicable, footwear and other equipment used or brought into the Area (including backpacks or carry-bags) shall be thoroughly cleaned or sterilised and maintained in this condition before entering the Area;
5. Sterilisation should be by an acceptable method, such as by UV light, autoclave or by washing exposed surfaces in 70% ethanol solution in water.
7(x) Requirements for reports
Parties should ensure that the principal holder for each permit issued submit to the appropriate authority a report describing the activities undertaken. Such reports should include, as appropriate, the information identified in the Visit Report form suggested by SCAR. Parties should maintain a record of such activities and, in the Annual Exchange of Information, should provide summary descriptions of activities conducted by persons subject to their jurisdiction, which should be in sufficient detail to allow evaluation of the effectiveness of the Management Plan. Parties should, wherever possible, deposit originals or copies of such original reports in a publicly accessible archive to maintain a record of usage, to be used both in any review of the management plan and in organising the scientific use of the Area.
Measure 2 (1997)Antarctic Protected Area System
Management Plans for Specially Protected Areas
Number 25: Cape Evans Historic Site and its environs (Annex A)
Number 26: Lewis Bay Tomb (Annex B)
The Representatives,
Recalling Recommendations XV-8 and XV-9;
Noting that Management Plans for the above Areas have been endorsed by the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR);
Noting also that the format of the Management Plans accord with Article 5 of Annex V of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty adopted under recommendation XVI-10;
Recognising that both these Areas have outstanding historic and commemorative significance which require long-term protection to ensure that their values are maintained and to avoid undue human disturbance;
Agreeing that pending entry into force of Annex V, proposals to designate and adopt management plans for the protection of historic or commemorative values should be viewed as proposals for the designation of Specially Protected Areas (SPAs) in accordance with the Agreed Measures for the Conservation of Antarctic Flora and Fauna;
Recommend to their Governments the following Measure for approval in accordance with paragraph 4 of Article IX of the Antarctic Treaty:
That the Management Plans for the Cape Evans Historic Site and its environs (SPA No 25) and the Lewis Bay Tomb (SPA No 26) annexed to this Measure be adopted.
Annex A
Management Plan for Specially Protected Area (SPA) No 25for Historic Sites No 16 and 17
(containing the historic Terra Nova hut of Captain R F Scott and its precincts)
Cape Evans, Ross Island
(77°3810"S, 166°2504"E)
1. Description of Values to be Protected
This area was originally listed as Historic Sites 16 and 17 in Recommendation VII-9. The Terra Nova hut (Historic Site No 16) is the largest of the historic huts in the Ross Sea region. It was built in January 1911 by the British Antarctic "Terra Nova" Expedition of 1910–13 which was led by Captain Robert Falcon Scott, RN. It was subsequently used as a base by the Ross Sea party of Sir Ernest Shackle-ton's Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition of 1914–17.
Another major feature of this area is the Cross on Wind Vane Hill (Historic Site No 17) which was erected in the memory of three members of Shackleton's Ross Sea party who died in 1916. In addition to this, there are also the anchors of the ship Aurora from the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, an instrument shelter, several supply dumps and dog kennels, and numerous artefacts distributed around the site.
The Cape Evans site is one of the principal sites of early human activity in Antarctica. It is an important symbol of the Heroic Age of Antarctic exploration, and as such, has considerable historical and cultural significance. Some of the earliest advances in the study of earth sciences, meteorology, flora and fauna are associated with the Terra Nova Expedition based at this site. The history of these activities and the contribution they have made to the understanding and awareness of Antarctica, give this Area significant scientific value.
2. Aims and Objectives
The aim of the management plan is to provide protection for the Area and its features so that its values can be preserved. The objectives of the plan are to:
• avoid degradation of, or substantial risk to, the values of the Area;
• maintain the historic values of the area through planned restoration and conservation work;
• allow management activities which support the protection of the values and features of the Area;
• prevent unnecessary human disturbance to the Area, its features and artefacts by means of managed access to the Terra Nova hut.
3. Management Activities
• a regular programme of restoration and preservation work shall be undertaken on the Terra Nova hut and associated artefacts in the Area;
• visits shall be made as necessary for management purposes;
• National Antarctic Programmes operating in, or those with an interest in, the region shall consult together with a view to ensuring the above provisions are implemented.
4. Period of Designation
Designated for an indefinite period.
5. Maps
Map A: Cape Evans regional map. This map shows the boundaries of the proposed Antarctic Specially Protected Area with significant topographical features, approaches, field camp sites and helicopter landing sites. It also shows the approximate location of significant historical items within the area. Inset: Ross Island showing sites of nearby protected areas and stations.
Map B: Cape Evans site map. This map shows the approximate location of specific historic artefacts and sites within the Area.
6. Description of the Area
6(i) Geographical coordinates, boundary markers and natural features
Cape Evans is a small, triangular shaped, ice-free area in the south west of Ross Island, 10 kilometres to the south of Cape Royds and 22 km to the north of Hut Point Peninsula on Ross Island. The ice-free area is composed of till-covered basalt bedrock. The designated Area is located on the north western coast of Cape Evans adjacent to Home Beach and centred on Scott's Terra Nova hut. The boundaries of the proposed ASPA are:
• South: a line extending east from a point at 77°38'15.47"S, 166°25'9.48"E – 20 m south of the cross on Wind Vane Hill;
• South/west: a line from the reference point above extended to follow the crest of the small ridge descending in a north westerly direction to the shoreline at 77°38'11.50"S – 166°24'49.47"E;
• North/west: by the shoreline of Home Beach;
• North/east: by the line of the outlet stream from Skua Lake to Home Beach at 77°38'4.89"S – 166°25'13.46"E;
• East: by the line extending south from the western edge of Skua Lade at 77°38'5.96"S – 166°25'35.74"E – to intersect with the southern boundary at 77°38'15.48"S – 166°25'35.68"E.
A major feature of the Area is Scott's Terra Nova hut located on the north western coast of Cape Evans at Home Beach. The hut is surrounded by many historic relics and include the anchors from the Aurora, dog skeletons, instrument shelters, dog line, meteorological screen, fuel dump, magnetic hut, coal, stores, rubbish dumps and flag pole. A memorial cross to three members of Shackleton's Ross Sea party of 1914–17 stands on West Vane Hill. All these features are included within the boundaries of the Area.
Skuas (Catharacta maccormicki) nest on Cape Evans and Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) from the rookery at Cape Royds may occasionally transit the Area. Weddell seals have also been seen hauled up on Home Beach.
6(ii) Restricted Zones within the Area
None.
6(iii) Structures within the Area
All structures located within the Area are of historic origin, although a temporary, modern protective enclosure around the magnetic hut remains in place.
6(iv) Location of other Protected Areas within close proximity
SSSI No 1 Cape Royds is 10 km north of Cape Evans; SSSI No 2 Arrival Heights, Hut Peninsula is 22 km south of Cape Evans; and SSSI No 11 Tramway Ridge is approximately 20 km east of Cape Evans. All sites are located on Ross Island.
7. Permit Conditions
Entry to the Area is prohibited except in accordance with a Permit.
Permits shall be issued only by appropriate national authorities and may contain both general and specific conditions. A Permit may be issued by a national authority to cover a number of visits in a season. Parties operating in the Ross Sea Area shall consult together and with groups and organisations interested in visiting the site to ensure that visitor numbers are not exceeded.
General conditions for issuing a Permit to enter the site may include:
• activities related to preservation, maintenance, research and/or monitoring purposes;
• management activities in support of the objectives of the Plan;
• activities related to tourism, educational or recreational activities providing they do not conflict with the objectives of this plan.
7(i) Access to and Movement within the Area
Control of movement within the Area is necessary to prevent damage caused by crowding around the many vulnerable features within the Area. The maximum number in the Area at any time (including those within the hut is 40 people.
Control of numbers within the hut is necessary to prevent damage by crowding around the many vulnerable features within the hut. The maximum number within the hut at any time (including guides) is 12 people.
Avoidance of cumulative impacts on the interior of the hut requires an annual limit on visitor numbers. The effects of the current visitor level (approximately 1,000 per calendar year (1995) suggest that an increase of more than 100 percent could cause significant adverse impacts. The annual maximum number of visitors is 2,000 people.
These limits have been set based on current visitor levels and on the best advice available from conservation advisory agencies (which include conservators, archaeologists, historians, museologists and other heritage protection professionals). The limits are based on the proposition that any significant increase in the current level of visitor numbers would be detrimental to the values to be protected. An ongoing monitoring programme of the effects of visitors is in place. This will provide the basis for future reviews.
Helicopter landings are prohibited within the Area as they have the potential to damage the site by blowing scoria and ice particles and to accelerate the abrasion of the hut and surrounding artefacts. Landings may be made at the existing designated landing sites (see Maps 1 and 2). One site is approximately 150 m to the north of the hut outside the Area. Another designated site is located adjacent to the field shelters erected approximately 200 m beyond the south western boundary of the Area.
Vehicles are prohibited within the Area. Landings from the sea by boat may be made by visitors directly in front of the hut at Home Beach.
7(ii) Activities which may be conducted within the Area
Activities which may be conducted within the area include:
• visits for restoration, preservation and/or protection purposes;
• educational and/or recreational visits including tourism;
• scientific activity which does not detract from the values of the Area.
7(iii) Installation, modification and removal of structures
No new structures are to be erected in the Area, or scientific equipment installed, except for conservation activities as specified in 7(ii). No historic structure, relic or artefact shall be removed from the Area, except for the purposes of restoration and/or preservation and then only in accordance with a Permit.
7(iv) Location of field camp
Use of the historic hut for living purposes is not permitted.
Camping is prohibited in the Area under any circumstances. An existing field camp site is located approximately 300 m beyond the south western boundary of the area (see Map 2). Two Antarctica New Zealand (New Zealand Antarctic Institute) field shelters are located at this site and should be used by all parties intending to camp in this area. The helicopter pad has been relocated away from the immediate vicinity of Scott's hut inside the Area, to a point immediately outside the Area near the north east boundary. To the north east of Scott's hut is the site of the Greenpeace year-round World Park Base which was removed in 1991–92. The plaque which marked this site was removed in January 1996.
7(v) Restrictions on materials and organisms which may be brought to the Area
No living animals or plant material shall be introduced to the Area.
No poultry products, including food products containing uncooked dried eggs, shall be taken into the Area.
Chemicals which may be introduced for management purposes shall be removed from the Area at or before the conclusion of the activity specified in the plan.
Fuel, food or other materials are not to be left in depots in the Area, unless required for essential purposes connected with the protection and conservation of the historic structures or associated relics. All such materials are to be removed when no longer required.
Smoking, or the use of any naked flame including lanterns, is not permitted in the hut under any circumstances.
7(vi) Taking or harmful interference with native flora and fauna
This activity is prohibited except in accordance with a Permit. Where animal taking or harmful interference is involved, this should, as a minimum standard, be in accordance with the SCAR Code of Conduct for the Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes in Antarctica.
7(vii) Collection or removal of anything not introduced by visitors
Material may be collected and removed from the Area only for restoration, preservation or protection reasons and only in accordance with the management activities detailed as necessary to protect the values of the area in a Permit. Visitors must remove objects, substances, and waste produced by them during their time in the Area. Samples from or specimens of fauna, flora and soil may be removed for scientific purposes only in accordance with an appropriate Permit.
7(viii) Disposal of waste
All human waste and grey water shall be removed from the Area. Waste generated by work parties shall be removed from the Area.
7(ix) Measures that may be necessary to ensure that the aims and objectives of the management plan continue to be me
1. the Permit, or an authorised copy, must be carried within the Area;
2. provision of information for visitors;
3. development of skills and resources, particularly those related to conservation and preservation techniques, to assist with the protection of the Area's values.
7(x) Requirements for Report
Parties should ensure that the principal holder for each Permit issued submit to the appropriate authority a report describing the activities undertaken. Such reports should include, as appropriate, the information identified in the Visit Report suggested by SCAR. Parties should maintain a record of such activities and, in the Annual Exchange of Information, should provide summary descriptions of activities conducted by persons subject to their jurisdiction, in sufficient detail to allow an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Management Plan. Parties should wherever possible deposit original or copies of such reports in a publicly accessible archive to maintain a record of usage, to be used both for review of the Management Plan and in organising the use of the site.
Annex B
Management Plan forSpecially Protected Area (SPA) No. 26
Lewis Bay, Mount Erebus, Ross Island
1. Description of values to be protected
An area on the lower slopes of Mount Erebus, above Lewis Bay on the north side of Ross Island, was originally declared a tomb in Recommendation XI-3 (1981) after notification by New Zealand that 257 people of several nationalities lost their lives when the DC-10 aircraft in which they were travelling crashed at this site on 28 November 1979. In spite of the determined and courageous actions of the New Zealand and United States Antarctic expeditions the bodies of some of those who died could not be recovered. Expressing deep sympathy with the relatives of those who died and with the Government and people of New Zealand, the tomb was declared in order to ensure that the area be left in peace. These reasons for special protection are still valid, and the Area is to be kept inviolate as a mark of respect, in remembrance and in order to protect the site's emotional values.
In late 1979 a six-foot oregon timber cross was erected close to the crash site as a memorial to those who lost their lives. After damage by wind this cross was replaced on 30 January 1987 with a cross of stainless steel, located on a rocky promontory overlooking and approximately 3 km from the site. This site is not part of the protected area, but is proposed as an Historic Monument in recognition of the commemorative and symbolic values of the cross.
2. Aims and objectives
Management at Lewis Bay aims to:
• avoid degradation of, or substantial risk to, the values of the Area;
• ensure the crash site is kept inviolate and prevent unnecessary human disturbance to the Area;
• allow visits to the nearby site of the memorial cross for the purposes of commemoration or to pay respects;
• allow visits for purposes in support of the aims of the management plan.
3. Management activities
The following management activities are to be undertaken to protect the values of the Area:
• All pilots operating in the region shall be informed of the location, boundaries and restrictions applying to entry and over-flight in the Area;
• Visits shall be made as necessary (no less than once every five years) for inspection and to assess whether the Area continues to serve the purposes for which it was designated;
• National Antarctic Programmes operating in the region shall consult together with a view to ensuring these steps are carried out.
4. Period of designation
Designated for an indefinite period.
5. Maps and photographs
Map A: Lewis Bay protected area topographic map. Note: Map A is derived from the Antarctic Digital Database (ADD) Version 1.0, 1993, which was prepared to a base scale of 1:250,000 under the auspices of SCAR. Positional corrections have been applied to the ADD source data using 1993 and 1995 Global Positioning System (GPS) data and 1993 aerial photography. Accuracy of the map remains approximate pending publication of new and accurate Ross Island maps at 1:50,000 scale. The geographical coordinates of the crash site and other features are considered accurate to within approximately 100–200 m horizontally. Elevation data are considered accurate to approximately 100 m vertically.
Map A: specifications:
Projection: Lambert conformal conic;
Standard parallels: 1st 79°18'00"S;
2nd 76°42'00"S;
Central Meridian: 167°30'00" E;
Latitude of Origin: 78°01'16.211"S;
Spheroid: GRS80.
Inset: Lewis Bay, Ross Island location map, showing sites of nearby protected areas and stations.
Figure 1: Photograph of the Lewis Bay area and crash site from the memorial cross. (Not reproduced here)
6. Description of the Area
6(i) Geographical coordinates, boundary markers and natural features
The designated Area on Ross Island (Map A) encompasses the crash zone (centered on 77°25'29"S, 167°28'30"E, elevation 520 m (1720 ft)) and the surrounding glacial ice 2 km above and to either side of this position, extends as a 4 km wide 'rectangle' down to the sea, and includes the airspace above this region to an altitude of 1000 m (3280 ft) with the exception of a 200 m wide air access 'corridor' along the coastline. The west boundary of the Area is the 167°23'33"E meridian; the east boundary is the 167°33'27"E meridian. The south boundary is the 77°26'33"S parallel, while the north boundary is defined by the coastline. The aircraft's primary impact occurred at an elevation of 446.7 m: debris was spread up-slope 570 m from that point over an area 120 m wide to an elevation of 580 m (1900 ft). Much of the aircraft wreckage is now buried in ice and is slowly moving down-slope with the glacier to the sea (Figure 1). The bodies of some of those who died could not be recovered and remain in the Area. Boundary markers have not been placed to mark the Area for two reasons: their presence is considered detrimental to the inviolate values of the site, and their maintenance would be impractical on the moving glacier.
6(ii) Restricted zones within the Area
None.
6(iii) Structures within and near the Area
The stainless steel memorial cross (proposed as a Historic Monument) is located on a rock outcrop (77°26'38"S, 167°33'43"E; elevation 810 m (2660 ft)) approximately 3 km SE of the crash site, and is a symbol of the special significance of the Area. No other structures exist within or near the Area. Debris from the aircraft remains in situ.
6(iv) Location of other protected areas within close proximity of the Area
The nearest protected area to Lewis Bay is SSSI-11 at Tramway Ridge (15 km distant) near the summit of Mount Erebus. Caughley Beach (SSSI-10) and New College Valley (SPA-20) (at Cape Bird) and Cape Royds (SSSI-1) are approximately 35 km west on Ross Island. Cape Crozier (SSSI-4) is 40 km to the east (Inset: Map A).
7. Permit conditions
Entry into the Area is prohibited except in accordance with a Permit issued by appropriate national authorities. Conditions for issuing a Permit to enter the Area are that:
• it is issued only for compelling purposes that are in support of the aims of the Management Plan;
• the actions permitted will not compromise the values of the Area;
• the actions permitted are in accordance with the Management Plan;
• the Permit, or an authorized copy, shall be carried within the Area;
• a visit report shall be supplied to the authority named in the Permit;
• permits shall be issued for a stated period.
7(i) Access to and movement within the Area
Land vehicles are prohibited within the Area and access shall be by foot or by helicopter. Overflight of the Area is prohibited below 1000 m (3280 ft) above sea level, except for essential access related to the values for which this site is protected, or for inspection and monitoring of the site (at least once every five years). An exception to the overflight restriction is provided by a 200 m wide access 'corridor' through the area immediately adjacent to the coastline (Map A), which allows transit of aircraft through the Area at times when visibility or conditions make avoidance of the Area otherwise impractical. No special restrictions apply to the air routes used to move to and from the Area by helicopter when access is permitted. Use of helicopter smoke grenades within the Area is prohibited unless absolutely necessary for safety, and then these should be retrieved.
7(ii) Activities that are or may be conducted in the Area, including restrictions on time or plac
All visits to the Area for any purpose shall be made recognising the principal values to be protected in the Area, and as far as possible the Area should be left in peace. Visits may be made for essential inspection to ensure the values of the Area are being maintained, and to determine if materials at the site present a problem by emergence from the ice and then possible wind dispersal, or for securing or removal of such items. Visits may also be made for removal of materials introduced into the Area subsequent to its designation, if appropriate.
7(iii) Installation, modification or removal of structures
No structures are to be erected within the Area except as specified in a Permit. It is prohibited to modify or remove any structure that was present within the Area at the time of special protection designation.
7(iv) Location of field camps
Camping is prohibited within the Area, unless under exceptional circumstances for management or protection. Where camping is required for such activities, the site selected shall be no closer than 200 m from the location of the wreckage at the time of the visit.
7(v) Restrictions on materials which can be brought into the Area
It is prohibited to introduce any materials into the Area. Smoke grenades used when absolutely necessary for safety of air operations should be retrieved.
7(vi) Taking or harmful interference with native flora or fauna
Taking or harmful interference with native flora or fauna is prohibited within the Area.
7(vii) Collection or removal of anything not brought into the Area by the Permit holder
Collection or removal of anything not brought into the Area by the Permit holder is prohibited, unless it has been determined that materials at the site are emerging from the ice and their dispersal by wind presents a management problem. If this is the case, such materials should be appropriately disposed of with due regard to the families of victims and according to national procedures. Materials introduced into the Area subsequent to designation may be removed unless the impact of removal is likely to be greater than leaving the material in situ : if this is the case the appropriate authority should be notified.
7(viii) Disposal of waste
It is prohibited to dispose of any waste, including all human wastes, within the Area.
7(ix) Measures that are necessary to ensure that the aims and objectives of the Management Plan can continue to be met
None specified.
7(x) Requirements for reports
Parties should ensure that the principal holder for each permit issued submit to the appropriate authority a report describing the activities undertaken. Such reports should include, as appropriate, the information identified in the Visit Report form suggested by SCAR. Parties should maintain a record of such activities and, in the Annual Exchange of Information, should provide summary descriptions of activities conducted by persons subject to their jurisdiction, which should be in sufficient detail to allow evaluation of the effectiveness of the Management Plan. Parties should, wherever possible, deposit originals or copies of such original reports in a publicly accessible archive to maintain a record of usage to be used in any review of the management plan.
Measure 3 (1997)Antarctic Protected Areas System
Revised Descriptions and Management Plans for Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
SSSI 11: Tramway Ridge
SSSI 12: Canada Glacier, Taylor Valley, Victoria Land (Annex A)
SSSI 13: Potter Peninsula, 25 de Mayo Island (King George Island), South Shetland Islands (Annex B)
SSSI 14: Harmony Point, Nelson Island, South Shetland Islands (Annex C)
SSSI 15: Cierva Point, Danco Coast, Antarctic Peninsula (Annex D)
SSSI 37: Botany Bay, Cape Geology, Victoria Land (Annex E)
The Representatives,
Recommend to their Governments the following Measure for approval in accordance with paragraph 4 of Article IX of the Antarctic Treaty:
1. For the following Sites of Special Scientific Interest, that the relevant Management Plans annexed to this Measure be inserted in the Annex to Recommendation XIII-8 to replace those plans previously annexed to this Recommendation:
SSSI 12: Canada Glacier, Taylor Valley, Victoria Land (Annex A)
SSSI 13: Potter Peninsula, 25 de Mayo Island (King George Island), South Shetland Islands (Annex B)
SSSI 14: Harmony Point, Nelson Island, South Shetland Islands (Annex C)
SSSI 15: Cierva Point, Danco Coast, Antarctic Peninsula (Annex D)
2. For SSSI No 37 Botany Bay, Cape Geology, Victoria Land, that the Management Plan annexed to this Measure (Annex E) be approved and adopted.
3. For SSSI No 11 Tramway Ridge, that the term 'restricted zone' be changed to 'prohibited zone'.
4. That the Consultative Parties ensure that their nationals comply with the mandatory provisions of the new and revised management plans.
Note: Space limitations prevent the reproduction here of the Annexes to Measure 3 (1997); these Management Plans will be reproduced in a subsequent issue of SCAR Bulletin.
Measure 4 (1997)
Antarctic Protected Areas System:
Historic Sites and Monuments:
Memorial Cross, Lewis Bay, Ross Island
The Representatives,
Recalling in particular Recommendation XI-3;
And also Recommendations I-9, V-4, VI-14, VII-9, XIII-7, XIII-16, XIV-8;
Recommend to their Governments the following Measure for approval in accordance with paragraph 4 of Article 9 of the Antarctic Treaty to add the following historic monument to the "List of Historic Monuments Identified and Described by the Proposing Government or Governments" annexed to Recommendation VII-9, thereby guaranteeing its full protection and respect as envisaged by the Recommendation noted above.
Memorial Cross for the 1979 Mount Erebus Crash Victims, Lewis Bay, Ross Island.
A cross of stainless steel which was erected in January 1987 on a rocky promontory three kilometres from the Mount Erebus crash site in memory of the 257 people of different nationalities who lost their lives when the aircraft in which they were travelling crashed into the lower slopes of Mount Erebus, Ross Island. The Cross was erected as a mark of respect and in remembrance of those who died in this tragedy.
Measure 5 (1997)
Antarctic Protected Areas System:
Historic Sites and Monuments:
Amendment to Number 41: Stone Hut on Paulet Island
The Representatives,
Recalling the Measures adopted in Recommendations I-IX, V-4, VI-14, VII-9; and Resolution 8 (1995);
Recommend to their Governments the following Measure for approval in accordance with paragraph 4 of Article IX of the Antarctic Treaty:
That an amendment of the description of Historic Site Number 41, which is contained in the "List of Historic Monuments and Described by the proposing Government or Governments" annexed to Recommendation VII-9, be approved.
Amendment to Listing
Site Number 41: Stone Hut on Paulet Island.
The following text should be added to the final part of the paragraph;
"... and the rock cairn built by the survivors of the wreck at the highest point of the island to draw the attention of rescue expeditions."
Decision 1 (1997)Revised Rules of Procedure (1997)
The Representatives,
Desiring to amend the Rules of Procedure for Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings;
Decide:
That the "Revised Rules of Procedure (1997)" attached to this decision shall replace the existing Rules of Procedure for Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings with immediate effect.
Revised Rules of Procedure (1997)1. Meetings held pursuant to Article IX of the Antarctic Treaty shall be known as Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings. Contracting Parties entitled to participate in those Meetings shall be referred to as "Consultative Parties"; other Contracting Parties which may have been invited to attend those Meetings shall be referred to as "non-Consultative Parties."
2. The Representatives of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research and the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs, invited to attend those Meetings in accordance with Rule 30, shall be referred to as "observers."
Representation
3. Each Consultative Party shall be represented by a delegation composed of a Representative and such Alternate Representatives, Advisers and other persons as each State may deem necessary. Each non-Consultative Party which has been invited to attend a Consultative Meeting shall be represented by a delegation composed of a Representative and such other persons as it may deem necessary within such numerical limit as may from time to time be determined by the Host Government in consultation with the Consultative Parties. The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research and the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs shall be represented by their respective Chairman or President, or other persons appointed to this end. The names of members of delegations and of the observers shall be communicated to the Host Government prior to the opening of the Meeting.
4. The order of precedence of the delegations shall be in accordance with the alphabet in the language of the Host Government, all delegations of non-Consultative Parties following after those of Consultative Parties, and all delegations of observers following after non-Consultative Parties.
Officers
5. A Representative of the Host Government shall be the Temporary Chairman of the Meeting and shall preside until the Meeting elects a Chairman.
6. At its inaugural session, a Chairman from one of the Consultative Parties shall be elected. The other Representatives of Consultative Parties shall serve as Vice-Chairmen of the Meeting in order of precedence. The Chairman normally shall preside at all plenary sessions. If he is absent from any session or part thereof, the Vice-Chairmen, rotating on the basis of the order of precedence as established by Rule 4, shall preside during each such session.
Secretariat
7. The Secretary shall be appointed by the Meeting on the proposal of the Chairman. The Secretary shall be responsible for providing secretarial services, and shall carry out such other tasks as the Meeting may require or direct.
Sessions
8. The opening plenary session shall be held in public, other sessions shall be held in private, unless the Meeting shall determine otherwise.
Committees and Working Groups
9. The Meeting to facilitate its work, may establish such committees as it may deem necessary for the performance of its functions, defining their terms of reference.
10. The committees shall operate under the Rules of Procedure of the Meeting, except where they are inapplicable.
11. Working groups may be established by the Meeting or its committees.
Conduct of Business
12. A quorum shall be constituted by two-thirds of the Representatives of Consultative Parties participating in the Meeting.
13. The Chairman shall exercise the powers of his office in accordance with customary practice. He shall see to the observance of the Rules of Procedure and the maintenance of proper order. The Chairman, in the exercise of his functions, remains under the authority of the Meeting.
14. Subject to Rule 27, no Representative may address the Meeting without having previously obtained the permission of the Chairman and the Chairman shall call upon speakers in the order in which they signify their desire to speak. The Chairman may call a speaker to order if his remarks are not relevant to the subject under discussion.
15. During the discussion of any matter, a Representative of a Consultative Party may rise to a point of order and the point of order shall be decided immediately by the Chairman in accordance with the Rules of Procedure. A Representative of a Consultative Party may appeal against the ruling of the Chairman. The appeal shall be put to a vote immediately, and the Chairman's ruling shall stand unless over-ruled by a majority of the Representatives of Consultative Parties present and voting. A Representative of a Consultative Party rising to a point of order shall not speak on the substance of the matter under discussion.
16. The Meeting may limit the time to be allotted to each speaker, and the number of times he may speak on any subject. When the debate is thus limited and a Representative has spoken his allotted time, the Chairman shall call him to order without delay.
17. During the discussion of any matter, a Representative of a Consultative Party may move the adjournment of the debate on the item under discussion. In addition to the proposer of the motion, Representatives of two Consultative Parties may speak in favour of, and two against, the motion, after which the motion shall be put to the vote immediately. The Chairman may limit the time to be allowed to speakers under this Rule.
18. A Representative of a Consultative Party may at any time move the closure of the debate in the item under discussion whether or not any other Representative has signified his wish to speak. Permission to speak on the closure of the debate shall be accorded only to Representatives of two Consultative Parties opposing the closure, after which the motion shall be put to the vote immediately. If the Meeting is in favour of the closure, the Chairman shall declare the closure of the debate. The Chairman may limit the time to be allowed to speakers under this Rule. (This Rule shall not apply to debate in committees).
19. During the discussion of any matter, a Representative of a Consultative Party may move the suspension or adjournment of the Meeting. Such motions shall not be debated, but shall be put to the vote immediately. The Chairman may limit the time to be allowed to the speaker moving the suspension or adjournment of the Meeting.
20. Subject to Rule 15, the following motions shall have precedence in the following order over all other proposals or motions before the Meeting:
a) to suspend the Meeting;
b) to adjourn the Meeting;
c) to adjourn the debate on the item under discussion;
d) for the closure of the debate on the item under discussion.
21. Decisions of the Meeting on all matters of procedure shall be taken by a majority of the Representatives of Consultative Parties participating in the Meeting, each of whom shall have one vote.
Languages
22. English, French, Russian and Spanish shall be the official languages of the Meeting.
23. Any Representative may speak in a language other than the official languages. However, in such cases he shall provide for interpretation into one of the official languages.
Measures, Decisions, and Resolutions and Final Report
24. Without prejudice to Rule 21, Measures, Decisions and Resolutions, as referred to in Decision 1 (1985), shall be adopted by the Representatives of all Consultative Parties present and will thereafter be subject to the provisions of Decision 1 (1995).
25. The final report shall also contain a brief account of the proceedings of the Meeting. It will be approved by a majority of the Representatives of Consultative Parties present and shall be transmitted by the Secretary of the Meeting to Governments of all Consultative and non-Consultative Parties which have been invited to take part in the Meeting, for their consideration.
Non-Consultative Parties
26. Representatives of non-Consultative Parties, if invited to attend a Consultative Meeting, may be present at:
a) all plenary sessions of the Meeting; and
b) all formal Committees or Working Groups, comprising all Consultative Parties, unless a Representative of a Consultative Party requests otherwise in any particular case.
27. The relevant Chairman may invite a Representative of a non-Consultative Party to address the Meeting, Committee or Working group which he is attending, unless a Representative of a Consultative Party requests otherwise. The Chairman shall at any time give priority to Representatives of Consultative Parties who signify their desire to speak and may, in inviting Representatives of non-Consultative Parties to address the Meeting, limit the time to be allotted to each speaker and the number of times he may speak on any subject.
28. Non-Consultative Parties are not entitled to participate in the taking of decisions.
29.a) Non-Consultative Parties may submit documents to the Secretariat for distribution to the Meeting as information documents. Such documents shall be relevant to matters under consideration at the Meeting.
b) Unless a Representative of a Consultative Party requests otherwise such documents shall be available only in the language or languages in which they were submitted.
Antarctic Treaty System Observers
30. The observers referred to in Rule 2 shall attend the Meetings for the specific purpose of reporting on:
a) in the case of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, developments in its area of competence.
b) in the case of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research:
i) the general proceedings of SCAR;
ii) matters within the competence of SCAR under the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals;
iii) such publications and reports as may have been published or prepared in accordance with Recommendations IX-19 and VI-9 respectively.
c) in the case of the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs, the activities within its area of competence.
31. Observers may be present at:
a) the plenary sessions of the Meeting at which the respective Report is considered;
b) formal committees or working groups, comprising all Contracting Parties at which the respective Report is considered, unless a Representative of a Consultative Party requests otherwise in any particular case.
32. Following the presentation of the pertinent Report, the relevant Chairman may invite the observer to address the Meeting at which it is being considered once again, unless a Representative of a Consultative Party requests otherwise. The Chairman may allot a time limit for such interventions.
33. Observers are not entitled to participate in the taking of decisions.
34. Observers may submit their Report and/or documents relevant to matters contained therein to the Secretariat, for distribution to the Meeting as working papers.
Agenda for Consultative Meeting
35. At the end of each Consultative Meeting, the Host Government of that Meeting shall prepare a preliminary agenda for the next Consultative Meeting. If approved by the Meeting, the preliminary agenda for the next Meeting shall be annexed to the Final Report of the Meeting.
36. Any Contracting Party may propose supplementary items for the preliminary agenda by informing the Host Government for the forthcoming Consultative Meeting no later than 180 days before the beginning of the Meeting; each proposal shall be accompanied by an explanatory memorandum. The Host Government shall draw the attention of all Contracting Parties to this Rule no later than 210 days before the Meeting.
37. The Host Government shall prepare a provisional agenda for the Consultative Meeting. The provisional agenda shall contain:
a) all items on the preliminary agenda decided in accordance with Rule 35; and
b) all items the inclusion of which has been requested by a Contracting Party pursuant to Rule 36.
Not later than 120 days before the Meeting, the Host Government shall transmit to all the Contracting Parties the provisional agenda, together with explanatory memoranda and any other papers related thereto.
Experts from International Organisations
38. At the end of each Consultative Meeting, the Meeting shall decide which international organisations having a scientific or technical interest in Antarctica shall be invited to designate an expert to attend the forthcoming Meeting in order to assist it in its substantive work.
39. Any Contracting Party may thereafter propose that an invitation be extended to other international organisations having a scientific or technical interest in Antarctica to assist the Meeting in its substantive work; each such proposal shall be submitted to the Host Government for that Meeting not later than 180 days before the beginning of the Meeting and shall be accompanied by a memorandum setting out the basis for the proposal.
40. The Host Government shall transmit these proposals to all Contracting Parties in accordance with the procedure in Rule 37. Any Consultative Party which wishes to object to a proposal shall do so not less than 90 days before the Meeting.
41. Unless such an objection has been received, the Host Government shall extend invitations to international organisations identified in accordance with Rules 38 and 39 and shall request each international organisation to communicate the name of the designated expert to the Host Government prior to the opening of the Meeting. All such experts may attend the Meeting during consideration of all items, except for those items relating to the operation of the Antarctic Treaty System which are identified by the previous Meeting or upon adoption of the agenda.
42. The relevant Chairman, with the agreement of all the Consultative Parties, may invite an expert to address the meeting he is attending. The Chairman shall at any time give priority to Representatives of Consultative Parties or non-Consultative Parties or observers referred to in Rule 30 who signify their desire to speak, and may in inviting an expert to address the Meeting limit the time to be allotted to him and the number of times he may speak on any subject.
43. Experts are not entitled to participate in the taking of decisions.
44.a) Experts may, in respect of the relevant agenda item, submit documents to the Secretariat for distribution to the Meeting as information documents.
b) Unless a Representative of a Consultative Party requests otherwise, such documents shall be available only in the language or languages in which they were submitted.
Amendments
45. These Rules of Procedure may be amended by a two-thirds majority of the Representatives of Consultative Parties participating in the Meeting. This Rule shall not apply to Rules 24, 26, 28, 33 38-41, and 43, amendments of which shall require the approval of the Representatives of all Consultative Parties present at the Meeting.
Note: The Annexes to Measure 3 (1997), and the texts of Decision 2 (1997) and Resolutions 1–3 (1997) cannot be reproduced here due to space limitations; they will be published in a subsequent issue of the SCAR Bulletin.
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