Antarctica - Extreme tourism

Attractions/activities include:

Walking

kayaking

skiiing

climbing

wildlife (pengiuns, seals, etc) 

scenery

Problems

The land ecosystem is fragile because over 99% is covered with ice, so little is left for tourist activity

Sea ecosystem delicately balanced

Tourists can trample plants, disturb wildlife and litter

Tourists could accidently introduce non - native species or diseases that wipe out native species.

Spillage of fuel from ships

Landing sites are chosen for a special feature so quickly become honeypot sites

Measures to protect Antarctica

All members part of IAATO (international association of antartica tour operators)

Antarctic treaty:

• Designed to protect and conserve
• Only ships with fewer than 500 passengers are allowed to land
• max 100 passengers on shore at a time

Antarctic Tour operators code of conduct:

• Specially protected areas off limits to tourists
• Wildlife not to be disturbed while watching
• no litter
• tourists must be supervised and have a qualified guide
• tourists musn't walk on plant life
• sewage treated biologically and waste stored on - board ship
• Waste must be discharge outside of territorial waters