Treaty Instruments

The Antarctic Treaty System comprises the Treaty itself as well as a number of subordinate agreements. It also includes a range of organisations that contribute to the work of the decision making forums.

The separate and related agreements include the recommendations, measures, decisions and resolutions of the Consultative Meetings relating to matters such as:

• scientific cooperation
• protection of the Antarctic environment
• conservation of plants and animals
• preservation of historic sites
• designation and management of protected areas
• management of tourism
• information exchange
• meteorological data
• hydrographic charting
• logistic cooperation
• transport, communications and safety

In addition, the Treaty Parties have put in place separate legal instruments providing rules relating to specific issues. The development of these agreements has allowed the implementation, with greater precision, of legally binding provisions relating to the management of Antarctica.

Agreed Measures for the Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora 1964

The Agreed Measures were adopted in 1964 to protect native wildlife and plants. The provisions include a requirement for permits for interference with birds and seals, and rules to prevent the uncontrolled introduction of non-indigenous organisms. In addition, the measures provide for areas of outstanding ecological interest to be set aside as a Specially Protected Area. Sites of Special Scientific Interest were later added to protect significant scientific values.

Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals

The Seals Convention was developed to provide a means to regulate commercial sealing, should such an industry ever be resumed. Although there is no indication of any interest in sealing, the Convention provides for such activities to be undertaken sustainably. Four species of seals are totally protected and catch limits are set for others.

Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR)

CCAMLR was adopted in 1980 in response to fears that unregulated fishing for krill, the centre of the Antarctic food chain, might threaten the marine ecosystem. The Convention adopts an 'ecosystem approach' – it ensures that krill and all the other living resources of the Southern Ocean are treated as an integrated system where effects on predator, prey and related species are considered and decisions on sustainable harvesting levels are made on the basis of sound scientific advice. Conservation Measures under CCAMLR identify protected species, set catch limits, identify fishing regions, regulate when fishing may occur and what fishing methods must be used, and establish fisheries inspection procedures.