Environmental Protection Protocol

The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (the Madrid Protocol, 1991) designates Antarctica as a "natural reserve, devoted to peace and science." It imposes the strictest environmental protections of any region on Earth.

Zero-Impact Principle

The guiding philosophy is simple: leave no trace of your visit. Antarctica's environment recovers extremely slowly -- a bootprint on moss can take decades to regenerate, and contamination introduced into the pristine ecosystem can persist indefinitely.

Biosecurity Decontamination

Before every landing, all visitors must complete biosecurity procedures:

Boot Cleaning

1. Before leaving the ship: Scrub boots in disinfectant solution (Virkon or equivalent)
2. Before stepping ashore: Walk through boot-wash trays at the gangway
3. Before reboarding: Scrub boots again in onshore wash stations
4. Between sites: Full boot decontamination between every landing site to prevent cross-contamination

Clothing & Equipment

• All outer clothing must be inspected for seeds, soil, and organic matter before the voyage
• Velcro closures, pockets, and seams are particular seed traps -- clean thoroughly
• Camera bags, tripod feet, and walking poles must be decontaminated
• No food or drink (except water) may be taken ashore

Why It Matters

Non-native grass species have already established at several Antarctic sites, traced directly to seeds carried on visitors' clothing. Avian flu has reached sub-Antarctic islands. Every biosecurity failure increases the risk of permanent ecological damage.

Waste Management

On Shore

• Nothing is left behind. All waste, including food scraps, tissues, and cigarette butts, must be carried back to the ship
• No littering, even accidentally. Secure all loose items against wind
• Human waste: Use ship facilities before landing. Extended shore excursions must include portable waste systems

On Ship

• Sewage: Treated and processed before any discharge, which is prohibited within 12 nautical miles of shore
• Gray water: Food waste and galley water must be macerated and discharged only in designated areas
• Hazardous waste: All batteries, chemicals, and oil must be carried north for proper disposal
• Plastics: Zero discharge of any plastic material

Prohibited Activities

• Collecting any biological material (feathers, bones, shells, moss, lichen, algae)
• Collecting geological specimens (rocks, minerals, fossils)
• Removing any historical artifacts
• Writing, painting, or engraving on rocks or structures
• Introducing any non-native species (including houseplants, pets, or live organisms)
• Using any chemical dispersants, pesticides, or herbicides
• Burning waste

Protected Areas

Antarctic Specially Protected Areas (ASPAs) and Antarctic Specially Managed Areas (ASMAs) have additional restrictions. Entry to ASPAs is prohibited without specific permits granted only for approved scientific research. Tourist operators do not enter ASPAs.

Enforcement

Violations of environmental protocols can result in:

• Immediate return to the vessel and confinement for the remainder of the voyage
• Fines of up to $10,000 per violation under some national jurisdictions (US, UK, Australia)
• Criminal prosecution for serious offenses (wildlife harm, specimen collection, contamination)
• Permanent banning from IAATO-operated expeditions