Code of Conduct for the Exploration and Research of Subglacial Aquatic Environments Popular

Code of Conduct for the Exploration and Research of Subglacial Aquatic Environments

ATCM XL and CEP XX 2017, Beijing, China

pdf Information Paper 33 (792 KB)  (ATCM XXXIV and CEP XIV 2011, Buenos Aires, Argentina) and Working Paper 17 (ATCM XL and CEP XX, Beijing, China).

Summary:

This Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) Code of Conduct (CoC) provides guidance to the scientific community with interests in exploring and conducting research on and in Antarctic subglacial aquatic environments (SAE). The CoC was original prepared by a SCAR Action Group in consultation with SAE specialists from a wide range of disciplines including the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP). It was developed in recognition of the value of these environments, the need to exercise environmental stewardship, and the growing scientific interest in subglacial research. The CoC draws on published literature with special attention paid to SCAR Subglacial Antarctic Lake Environments (SALE) Scientific Research Program reports and the U.S. National Academies report on environmental stewardship of SAE. The U.S. National Academies report on environmental stewardship of SAE was presented by the U.S. at ATCM XXXI/CEP XI as IP110. This CoC was submitted as an Information Paper (IP33) by SCAR to CEP XIV in 2011. SCAR coordinated a review of this CoC in 2017 through experts and the broader SCAR community, and the revised version was submitted to CEP XX. It will continue to be updated and refined as new scientific results and environmental impact reports become available from planned SAE exploration campaigns.