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SCAR Bulletin No 156, January 2005
Management Plan Antarctic Specially Protected Area No. 142
Svarthamaren
1. Description of values to be protected
- the colony of Antarctic petrels (Thalassoica antarctica) is the largest known inland seabird colony on the Antarctic continent
- the colony constitutes a large proportion of the known world population of Antarctic petrels
- the colony is an exceptional ∞natural research laboratory" providing for research on the Antarctic petrel, snow petrel (Pagodroma nivea) and
- south polar skua (Catharacta maccormicki), and their adaptation to breeding in the interior of Antarctica
2. Aim and objectives
- avoid human-induced changes to the population structure, composition and size of the colonies;
- prevent unnecessary disturbance to the colonies;t
- allow for undisturbed research on the adaptations of the seabirds to the inland conditions;
- allow access for other scientific reasons.
The focus of the Primary Research is to improve the understanding of how natural and anthropogenic changes in the environment affect the spatial and temporal distribution of animal populations and how such changes affect interactions between key species in the ecosystem.
3. Management activities
- ensure the seabird colonies are adequately monitored by non-invasive methods;
- allow erection of signs/posters, border markers, etc. and ensure these are maintained;
- visits to assess the Area and to ensure management and maintenance measures are adequate
Any direct intervention management activity must be subject to an environmental impact assessment.
4. Period of Designation
Designated for an indefinite period.
5. Maps and Illustrations
Map A: Dronning Maud Land (not reproduced here).
Map B: Svarthamaren and surroundings (not reproduced here).
Map C: Antarctic Specially Protected Area No. 142, protected area topographic map.
6. Description of Area
6(i) Geographic co-ordinates, boundary markers and natural features
The Svarthamaren ASPA is situated in Mühlig-Hoffmannfjella, Dronning Maud Land, stretching from approx. 71°33'17"S, 5°09'12"E the north-west to approx. 71°55'58"S, 5°15'12"E in the south-east. The distance from the ice front is about 200 km. The Area covers approximately 6.4 km2, and consists of the ice-free areas of the Svarthamaren nunatak.
The Norwegian field station Tor is located in the Svarthamaren nunatak at 71°53'S, 5°10'E. The station, including a 10-metre buffer zone around the station buildings, is excluded from the Svarthamaren ASPA. Access is by the shortest route from the ice.
The main rock types are coarse and medium grained charnockites with small amounts of xenoliths. No continuous weather observations have been carried through in the Area, but prevalent air temperature has been observed to range between -5° and -15°C in January, with somewhat lower minimum temperatures in February.
The flora and vegetation are sparse compared with other areas in Mühlig-Hofmannfjella and Gjelsvikfjella. The only plant species occurring in abundance is the foliose green alga, Prasiola crispa.
The north-eastern slopes of Svarthamaren are occupied by a densely populated colony of Antarctic petrels (Thalassoica antarctica) divided into three separate sub-colonies. The total number of breeding pairs is estimated to be approximately 250,000 pairs. In addition, 500-1000 pairs of snow petrels (Pagodroma nivea) and approximately 80 pairs of south polar skuas (Catharacta maccormicki) breed in the area.
6(ii) Restricted zones within the Area
None
6(iii) Location of structures within the Area
There are no structures within the Area.
6(iv) Location of other Protected Areas within close proximity
None
7. Permit Conditions
Permits may be issued only by appropriate national authorities.
7(i) Access to and movement within the Area
- Access to the area is restricted by the following conditions:
- No pedestrian routes are designated but persons shall avoid disturbances to birds and also to the sparse vegetation cover;
- Vehicles should not enter the site;
- No flying over the Area is allowed;
- Helicopter landings are not allowed within the boundaries of the ASPA.
7(ii) Activities that are or may be conducted within the Area, including restrictions on time and place
- Primary biological research;
- Other research programs.
7(iii) Installation, modification or removal of structures
No structures are to be erected or scientific equipment installed except as specified in a permit.
7(iv) Location of field camps
No field camps should be established in the Area. The field station Tor should be used with permission.
7(v) Restrictions on materials and organisms which may be brought into the Area
- No living animals or plant material shall be deliberately introduced into the Area.
- No poultry products shall be taken into the Area.
- No herbicides or pesticides shall be brought into the Area.
- Any other chemicals (including fuel) shall be removed from the Area before or at the conclusion of the activity for which the permit was granted.
- Limited fuel storage at the field station Tor is acceptable.
- All materials introduced shall be for a stated period and shall be removed at or before the conclusion of that stated period,
7(vi) Taking or harmful interference with native flora and fauna
Taking or harmful interference with native flora and fauna is prohibited, except in accordance with a permit. It is recommended that those responsible for the primary research in the Area should be consulted before a permit is granted for taking of birds for purposes not associated with the primary research.
7(vii) Collection and 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, except that debris of man-made origin should be removed and that dead specimens of fauna may be removed for laboratory examination.
7(viii) Disposal of waste
All wastes is to 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 met
Permits may be granted to enter the Area to carry out biological monitoring and site inspection activities.
7(x) Requirements for reports
Parties should ensure that the principal holder of each permit issued submits a report to the appropriate authority .
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