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You are in:  Home » Publications » Bulletins » Bulletin 156 » ASPA 139

SCAR Bulletin No 156, January 2005

Management Plan for Antarctic Specially Protected Area No. 139

Biscoe Point, Anvers Island, Palmer Archipelago

1. Description of values to be protected

Biscoe Point was originally designated on the grounds that the ∞Site contains a large (approximately 5000 m²) but discontinuous stand of the two native vascular plants, Antarctic hair grass (Deschampsia antarctica) and, less commonly, Antarctic pearlwort (Colobanthus quitensis). The present management plan reaffirms the exceptional ecological and scientific values associated with the rich flora and invertebrate fauna within the Area. One stand of mosses in the prominent valley on the northern side of the main island extends almost continuously for 150 m along the valley floor, covering an area of approximately 6500 m².

Biscoe Point is also valuable for ornithological research. Long-term studies are being conducted on both Adélie (Pygoscelis adeliae) and gentoo (Pygoscelis papua) penguin colonies present within the Area.

Until recently, Biscoe Point was on a peninsula joined to Anvers Island by an ice ramp extending from the adjacent glacier. The ice ramp disappeared as the glacier retreated, and a narrow channel now separates Anvers Island from the island on which Biscoe Point lies.

In summary, the Area at Biscoe Point therefore has high value for its outstanding:

• examples of vegetation communities, soils and associated terrestrial ecology;
• ornithological interest, with several of the resident breeding bird species and associated paleoecological
• features possessing unusual properties, and which are the subject of long-term studies; and
• utility as a reference site for comparative studies and monitoring.

2. Aims and Objectives

• avoid degradation of the values of the Area by preventing human disturbance and sampling ;
• allow scientific research;
• minimize the possibility of introduction of alien plants, animals and microbes to the Area;
• allow visits for management purposes.

3. Management activities

• Copies of this management plan shall be available at Palmer Station and at Yelcho Station.
• Markers, signs or other structures shall be secured and maintained in good condition.
• Visits to ensure management and maintenance measures are adequate.

4. Period of designation

Designated for an indefinite period.

5. Maps and photographs

Map 1: Biscoe Point, ASPA No. 139, in relation to Biscoe Bay and Anvers Island (not reproduced here).

Map 2: Biscoe Point, ASPA No. 139: Physical features and access guidelines.

Map 3: Biscoe Point, ASPA No. 139: Penguin colonies, approximate vegetation extent, and known contaminated sites (not reproduced here).

6. Description of the Area

6(i) Geographical coordinates, boundary markers and natural features

Biscoe Point (64°48'47"S, 63°47'41"W) is at the western extremity of a small island (0.53 km²), located close to the southern coast of Anvers Island (2700 km²) about 6 km south of Mount William (1515 m), in the region west of the Antarctic Peninsula known as the Palmer Archipelago.
The Area is defined to include all land above the low tide water level of the main island on which Biscoe Point is situated (0.53 km²), all offshore islets and rocks within 100 m of the shore of this main island, and most of the predominantly ice-free promontory 300 m to the north (0.1 km2) (Map 2). The landward (eastern) boundary on the northern promontory bisects the peninsula at the point where it protrudes from Anvers Island, distinguished by a small bay cutting into the glacier in the south and a similar, although less pronounced, coastline feature in the north. The total area including the main island and the northern promontory is approximately 0.63 km².

No meteorological data are available for Biscoe Point. Data for nearby Palmer Station show monthly air temperature averages recorded over a 22-year period ranging from -7.8°C in August to 2.5°C in January. The minimum recorded temperature is -31°C and the maximum is 9°C, while the annual mean is -2.3°C.

Specific descriptions are not available of the geology of island on which Biscoe Point lies, or of the peninsula to the north. However, the bedrock appears to be composed mainly of gabbros and adamellites of Late Cretaceous to Early Tertiary age belonging to the Andean Intrusive Suite, which dominate southeastern Anvers Island.

A number of small seasonal streams and ponds have not been scientifically described. The freshwater environment has thus far escaped significant disturbance from seals. Information on the hydrology of the separate promontory to the north is not available.

The most significant aspect of the vegetation is the abundance and reproductive success of the two native Antarctic flowering plants, the Antarctic hair grass Deschampsia antarctica and Antarctic pearlwort Colobanthus quitensis.

The apterous midge Belgica antarctica has been observed associated with the well-developed loam and closed swards of grass.

At least six species of birds breed on the island on which Biscoe Point lies. The most numerous colony is of Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae), a gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) colony was discovered in 1992-93. South polar skuas (Catharacta maccormicki) and brown skuas (C. loennbergi) breed within the Area and hybrids also occur. Kelp gulls (Larus dominicanus) and Antarctic terns (Sterna vittata) breed within the Area.

Small numbers of non-breeding Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella), Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) and southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) have been observed on beaches in summer.

Human activity appears to have been minimal.

6(ii) Restricted and managed zones within the Area

None.

6(iii) Structures within and near the Area

No structures are known to be present within the Area.

6(iv) Location of other protected areas within close proximity of the Area

The nearest protected areas to Biscoe Point are: Litchfield Island (ASPA No. 113), 16 km W; South Bay (ASPA No. 146), 12 km SE; and Eastern Dallmann Bay (ASPA No. 153) 85 km NE.

7. Permit conditions

Entry into the Area is prohibited except in accordance with a Permit issued by an appropriate national authority.

7(i) Access to and movement within the Area

Access to the Area shall be by small boat, by aircraft, or over sea ice by vehicle or on foot (Map 2). When necessary for purposes consistent with plan objectives, aircraft may operate and land within the Area. Helicopter landing is permitted at two designated sites (Map 2)

7(ii) Activities that are or may be conducted in the Area, including restrictions on time or place

• Scientific research;
• Essential management activities;
• The appropriate authority should be notified of any activities/measures undertaken that were not included in the authorised Permit.

7(iii) Installation, modification or removal of structures

Structures shall not be erected within the Area except as specified in a Permit. Removal of structures, equipment or markers for which the period specified in the Permit has expired shall be a condition of the Permit.

7(iv) Location of field camps

Temporary camping is allowed within the Area at the designated site about 50 m north-east of helicopter landing site (A), on the northern coast of the main island on which Biscoe Point lies. Camping on surfaces with significant vegetation cover is prohibited.

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. Dressed poultry should be free of disease or infection and shall be completely removed and incinerated or boiled long enough to kill any potentially infective bacteria or viruses. No herbicides or pesticides shall be brought into the Area. Any other chemicals, including radio-nuclides or stable isotopes, shall be removed at or before the conclusion of the activity. Fuel is not to be stored in the Area. Anything introduced shall be removed at or before the end of the stated period.

7(vi) Taking or harmful interference with native flora or fauna

Taking or harmful interference with native flora or fauna is prohibited.

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 shall only be in accordance with a Permit and should be limited to the minimum necessary to meet scientific or management needs.

7(viii) Disposal of waste

All wastes shall be removed from the Area. Human wastes may be disposed of into the sea.

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 carry out biological monitoring and site inspection activities.
2. Any specific sites of long-term monitoring shall be appropriately marked.
3. Visitors shall take special precautions against introductions. Of concern are pathogenic, microbial, invertebrate or plant introductions sourced from other Antarctic sites or from regions outside Antarctica. Footwear and other equipment shall be thoroughly cleaned before entering the Area.

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.