Current Status of Antarctic Environments and Resources

Cooperative scientific research in Antarctic has been successful since the International Geophysical Year 1957/1958. Presently, 43 nations have joined the Antarctic Treaty as consultative parties or acceding states, and other treaties and agreements have evolved to conserve the integrity and to manage the resources of the Antarctic ecosystem. Although yet to be designated, tourism areas in Antarctica are under consideration. Due to its remoteness and vast magnitude, Antarctica's science is slowly emerging. Satellite technology has enabled observation of the progression of the ozone hole above Antarctica. Mineral exploitation has yet to take place, as has the transport of Antarctic icebergs to some arid nations. On the other hand, both seal and whale exploitations have occurred, devastating these populations. The lessons learned from past human greed are used to design krill and squid fisheries, though the life histories of these organisms are yet to be adequately understood. An ecosystem approach to managing Antarctic resource exploitation is essential. Procuring the needed logistics to do so is daunting, requiring the highest degree of international cooperation and educational outreach to nurture the needed effective scientific and engineering talent, both natural and social.