You are in: Home » Publications » Bulletins » Bulletin 151
SCAR BULLETIN, No. 151, October 2003
Management Plan for Antarctic Specially Protected Area (ASPA) No. 137
Northwest White Island, Mc Murdo Sound
1. Description of values to be protected
This locality contains an unusual breeding population of Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) which is the most southerly known, and which has been physically isolated from other populations by advance of the McMurdo Ice Shelf and Ross Ice Shelf. Year-round studies have detected no evidence of immigration or emigration of seals from the population, which appears to have grown to around 25 to 30 animals from a population of around 11 in the 1960s. The Area requires long-term special protection because of the exceptional importance of the Weddell seal colony, outstanding scientific values and opportunities for research.
2. Aims and objectives
Management at NW White Island aims to:
- avoid degradation of, or substantial risk to, the values of the Area by preventing unnecessary human disturbance to the Area;
- allow scientific research on the ecosystem, in particular on the Weddell seals, while ensuring protection from possible scientific impacts;
- allow other scientific research;
- minimize the possibility of introduction of alien animals and microbes into the Area;
- allow visits for management purposes.
3. Management activities
- Signs showing the location and boundaries with clear statements of entry restrictions shall be placed at appropriate locations.
- A copy of this management plan shall be kept available at McMurdo Station, Scott Base and at the Black Island facilities.
- Markers, signs or structures erected within the Area shall be removed when no longer necessary.
- Visits shall be made to ensure management and maintenance measures are adequate.
4. Period of designation
Designated for an indefinite period.
5. Maps and photographs
Map A: NW White Island, SSSI-18, topographic map.
6. Description of the Area
6(i) Geographical coordinates, boundary markers and natural features
White Island is situated approximately 20 km SE of the edge of the McMurdo Ice Shelf and 25 km SE of Hut Point on Ross Island. The island is approximately 30 km long, 15 km wide, and rises to a maximum elevation of 762 m. The northern and western shores of White Island descend steeply, with water depths of 600 m occurring within 5 km of the island. The island is predominantly ice-covered and is completely surrounded by the permanent shelf ice of the McMurdo Ice Shelf and Ross Ice Shelf.
The Weddell seal population was estimated at 26 seals greater than one year of age in 1991. Between two and four live pups have been recorded in several seasons (1963-1968, 1981, 1991). The seals are physically isolated by the barrier of the shelf ice, and are unable to swim the 20 km distance under the ice to reach the seasonally open waters of McMurdo Sound.
6(ii) Restricted and managed zones within the Area
None.
6(iii) Structures within and near the Area
There are no structures within or near the Area.
6(iv) Location of other protected areas within close proximity of the Area
The nearest protected areas are: Arrival Heights (SSSI-2) and Discovery Hut (SPA-28); Cape Evans (SPA-25) and Cape Royds (SSSI-1 and SPA-25); and Tramway Ridge (SSSI-11).
7. Permit conditions
Entry into the Area is prohibited except in accordance with a permit issued by appropriate national authorities.
7(i) Access to and movement within the Area
Access into the Area is permitted on foot, by vehicle, or by aircraft. Landing of aircraft and overflight lower than 750 m (~2,500 ft) within the Area, is normally prohibited. Vehicles are strongly discouraged from approaching closer than 50 m from seals, and closer approaches should be on foot.
7(ii) Activities that are or may be conducted in the Area, including restrictions on time or place
Activities that may be conducted within the Area include:
- scientific research that will not jeopardize the ecosystem of the Area;
- 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. Removal of specific equipment for which the permit has expired shall be a condition of the permit.
7(iv) Location of field camps
Permanent field camps are prohibited within the Area. Temporary campsites are permitted within the Area.
7(v) Restrictions on materials and organisms that can be brought into the Area
No living animals, plant material or microorganisms shall be deliberately introduced into the Area and precautions shall be taken against accidental introductions. No herbicides or pesticides shall be brought into the Area. Any other chemicals shall be removed from the Area. Fuel is not to be stored in the Area.
7(vi) Taking or harmful interference with native flora or fauna
Taking or harmful interference with native flora and fauna is prohibited, except in accordance with a separate permit.
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.
7(viii) Disposal of waste
All 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
Permits may be granted to enter the Area to carry out biological monitoring and site inspection activities.
Any specific sites of long-term monitoring shall be appropriately marked. The use of explosives is prohibited.
Visitors shall take special precautions against introductions, particularly microbial and viral introductions from other seal populations.
7(x) Requirements for reports
Parties should ensure that the principal holder for each permit issued submits to the appropriate authority a report describing the activities undertaken.
About Acrobat/PDF files