Obama Administration Seeks Mandatory Limits on Antarctic Tourism

Seeking to protect the Antarctic environment, the Obama Administration has proposed mandating the currently voluntary limits on Antarctic tourism. The move comes ahead of Monday's Baltimore conference on the Antarctic Treaty, marking the 50th anniversary of the agreement's signing. "The treaty says Antarctica can be used only for peaceful purposes and guarantees freedom for scientific investigations," The Associated Press reported. "It sets out guidelines under which the continent can be protected. There are 28 member states and 19 observer countries and organizations to the accord." The U.S. mandate requires that all tour operators bar ships with more than 500 passengers from docking locations and landing sites. It also restricts landings to one vessel at a time per site and 100 passengers on land at a time. According to AP, "The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators says visits have risen from 6,700 in the 1992-93 season to 29,500 in the 2006-07 season and 45,213 in 2008-09." Tourists from the U.S. made up the bulk of the 2007-2008 season, according to the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators, with the U.K., Germany, Australia, and Canada composing the top five. U.S. = 16,533 visitors, 36% of total U.K = 7,372 visitors, 16% of total Germany = 5,090 visitors, 11% of total Australia = 3,338 visitors, 7% of total Canada = 2,809 visitors, 6% of total source: IAATO, 2007-2008 season The limits are currently carried out on an honor system, and it is expected that the mandate will be accepted.