The purpose of SSSIs is to protect sites where scientific investigations are being carried out or are planned, and there is a demonstrable risk of interference which would jeopardise those investigations, or to protect sites of exceptional scientific interest.
Most SSSIs are protected for a specified period, but the time limit can be reviewed and extended at the ATCM. SSSIs adopted since 1997 are designated for an indefinite period. Each SSSI has a Management Plan which the ATCPs have agreed should be complied with voluntarily.
| Descriptions of Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Antarctica | |
| 1. | Cape Royds, Ross Island |
| 77°33'S, 166°08'E. Approximate area: 4.6 km2. The area west of a line drawn from the south coast of Cape Royds through Flagstaff Hill to the south-eastern tip of Pony Lake, and the west shoreline of this lake; and south of a line drawn from the western extremity of Pony Lake 280° true to the coast; including the littoral and sublittoral zones from Derrick Point on the east side of Arrival Bay about 4 km northwards to 'Rocky Point' to the north of Horseshoe Bay, extending 500 m offshore from high water mark. Designation on the grounds that the area supports the most southerly Adélie penguin colony known, the viability of which is marginal. The population declined rapidly from 1956 following disturbance by visitors, until 1963 when the US and New Zealand authorities agreed to restrict activities. Proposed by the USA. Adopted at the ATCM VIII (Oslo, 1975). Expiry of designation: 31 December 2000. | |
| 2. | Arrival Heights, Hut Point Peninsula, Ross Island |
| 77°49'S, 166°39'E. Approximate area: 1.1 km2. The area of Arrival Heights enclosed by a line drawn from the Trig T510 north-west over First Crater to the 500 foot (150 m) contour, then north along this contour to a point immediately west of Second Crater, then around the lip of this crater and south to Trig T510. Designation on the grounds that the area is a natural and electromagnetically quiet site offering ideal conditions for the installation of sensitive instruments for recording data associated with upper atmosphere research programmes. Proposed by the USA. Adopted at the ATCM VIII (Oslo, 1975). Expiry of designation: 31 December 2000. | |
| 3. | Barwick Valley, Victoria Land |
| The site is defined by lines joining Skew Peak (77°13'S, 160°42'E), Sponsors Peak (77°18'S, 161°24'E), a point on the Insel Range (77°24'S, 161°26'E), a point in the Apocalypse Peaks (77°24'S, 160°46'E), Mount Bastion (77°19'S,160°29'E) and Skew Peak. Approximate area: 279 km2. Designation on the grounds that Barwick Valley is one of the least disturbed and contaminated of the dry valleys of Victoria Land, which are environmentally unique and possess extreme polar desert ecosystems. Proposed by the USA. Adopted at the ATCM VIII (Oslo, 1975). Expiry of designation: 31 December 2000. | |
| 4. | Cape Crozier, Ross Island |
| The site is defined by lines joining 77°28'S, 169°20'E; 77°28'S, 169°28'E; 77°31'S, 169°28'E; 77°31'S, 169°20'E, and also includes the land area lying north of a line from 77°28'S, 169°20'E to the summit of Post Office Hill and north-east of a line bearing 315° true from the summit of Post Office Hill to the coast. Approximate area: 19 km2. Designation on the grounds that the emperor and Adélie penguin colonies found in the site are the subject of long-term studies of population dynamics and social behaviour, and the location is relatively accessible by air from McMurdo Station (USA) and Scott Base (New Zealand). Proposed by the USA. Adopted at the ATCM VIII (Oslo, 1975). Expiry of designation: 31 December 2001. | |
| 5. | Fildes Peninsula, King George Island, South Shetland Islands |
| There are two sites. A: between 62°10'50"S and 62°11'28"S, and between 58°55'27"W and 58°56'38"W, and B: between 62°12'30"S and 62°13'30"S, and between 58°57'11"W and 58°59'32"W. Approximate area: 1.8 km2. Designation on the grounds that the unique fossil ichnolites found in these areas are located close to several permanent scientific stations which are frequently, and increasingly, visited by tourist groups. The areas also contain representative sequences of Tertiary rock strata. Proposed by Chile. Adopted at the ATCM VIII (Oslo, 1975). Expiry of designation: 31 December 2001. | |
| 6. | Byers Peninsula, Livingston Island, South Shetland Islands |
| Byers Peninsula is an extensive, largely ice-free area at the western end of Livingston Island and centred on 62°37'S, 61°03'W. Approximate area: 65.7 km2. The site comprises the entire area of Byers Peninsula extending from the ice margin on the west side of Rotch Dome to a point directly north of Stackpole Rocks westwards to the west end of Ray Promontory. The littoral zone of the peninsula is included within the site. Designation on the grounds that the fossils found in this area provide evidence of the former link between Antarctica and the other southern continents. It is important to protect these Jurassic and Cretaceous rocks from being used as building materials or removed as souvenirs. Lakes contain aquatic mosses and serve as breeding sites for the midge Parochlus steinenii, the only native winged insect in the Antarctic. The peninsula is of exceptional historical interest, containing the greatest concentration of 19th century historical sites in Antarctica. Jointly proposed by Chile and the UK. Adopted at the ATCM VIII (Oslo, 1975). Expiry of designation: 31 December 2001. | |
| 7. | Haswell Island |
| 66°31'S, 93°00'E. Approximate area: 1 km2. The site consists of Haswell Island, the largest of a group of islands lying off Mirny Station (Russia), together with its littoral zone and the surrounding fast ice (when present). Designation on the grounds that the site is an exceptionally important, and representative, breeding locality for all the species of birds which occur in this part of the Antarctic: five species of petrel, one species of skua, and one species of penguin. The site provides exceptional opportunities for research and needs protection in view of its close proximity to a large research station. Proposed by Russia. Adopted at the ATCM VIII (Oslo, 1975). Expiry of designation: 31 December 2001. | |
| 8. | Western shore of Admiralty Bay, King George Island |
| 62°11'S, 58°27'W. Approximate area: 17.5 km2. An area on the western shore of Admiralty Bay, south of Ezcurra Inlet, south of a line connecting Jardine Peak and the shoreline immediately to the north of a prominent group of rocks characterized by a covering of orange lichens bearing approximately 068° from Jardine Peak, and east of a line joining Jardine Peak, The Tower and a point on the shoreline bearing 180° from The Tower. Designation on the grounds that the area supports an exceptional assemblage of Antarctic birds and mammals close to Arctowski Station (Poland), which is frequently visited by tourist ships. Long-term research programmes could be jeopardised by accidental disturbance, especially during the breeding season. Proposed by Poland. Adopted at the ATCM X (Washington, 1979). Expiry of designation: 31 December 2000. | |
| 9. | Rothera Point, Adelaide Island |
| 67°34'S, 68°06'W. Approximate area: 0.1 km2. Rothera Point is in Ryder Bay at the south-east corner of Wright Peninsula. The site is the north-eastern third of the point and is representative of the area as a whole. Rothera Station (UK) lies approximately 350 m west of the western boundary of the site. Designation on the grounds that the site serves to monitor the impact of the nearby station on an Antarctic fellfield ecosystem. The vegetation is not rich or well-developed and the soils are shallow and confined to small pockets; a few south polar skuas and Dominican gulls nest in the site. Proposed by the UK. Adopted at the ATCM XIII (Brussels, 1985). Expiry of designation: 31 December 2000. | |
| 10. | Caughley Beach, Cape Bird, Ross Island |
| 77°13'S, 166°29'E. Approximate area: 0.3 km2. Caughley Beach and its hinterland lie between the areas known as the Cape Bird northern and Cape Bird middle penguin rookeries, about 1 km north of Cape Bird. The site encompasses the area between the top of the coastal cliffs of Caughley Beach and the Mount Bird ice cap, and between a line 200 m south of an Antarctica New Zealand summer station and a line 500 m north of Cape Bird middle Adélie penguin rookery. SPA No. 20 is within the area of SSSI No.10. Designation on the grounds that the area is the site of the most extensive stands of moss, algae, and lichens in southern Victoria Land; that the terrestrial ecosystem within the site is the subject of long-term research; and that the site will provide a buffer zone around the SPA site. Proposed by New Zealand. Adopted at the ATCM XIII (Brussels, 1985). Expiry of designation: 31 December 2001. | |
| 11. | 'Tramway Ridge', Mount Erebus, Ross Island |
| 77°31'S, 167°07'E. Approximate area: 0.01 km2. Mount Erebus is one of three active volcanoes on continental Antarctica. The site is situated between 3350 m and 3400 m altitude, 1 km north-west of the main crater of Mount Erebus, at the lower end of 'Tramway Ridge'. The boundary of the site is a square with sides of 100 m and encompasses the entire warm ground area of lower 'Tramway Ridge'. Designation on the grounds that Mount Erebus provides one of only three known high-altitude areas of fumarolic activity and associated vegetation in the Antarctic (see also SPA No.22 and SSSI No.24). The warm ground and its vegetation are of interest to botanists, phycologists and microbiologists, and will serve as a reference site for ecological research. Proposed by New Zealand. Adopted at the ATCM XIII (Brussels, 1985). Expiry of designation: 31 December 2001. | |
| 12. | Canada Glacier, Lake Fryxell, Taylor Valley, Victoria Land |
| 77°37'S, 163°03'E. Approximate area: 1.47 km2. The site encompasses most of the glacier forefield area on the east side of the lower Canada Glacier, on the north shore of Lake Fryxell. Designation on the grounds that the site contains some of the richest plant growth (algae and mosses) in the southern Victoria Land dry valleys, and that it is valuable as a reference site for other dry valley ecosystems. The concentration of research activity within the area makes it necessary to regulate human impact with respect to trampling, water quality and sampling. Proposed by New Zealand. Adopted at the ATCM XIII (Brussels, 1985). Designated for an indefinite period. | |
| 13. | Potter Peninsula, '25 de Mayo' (King George) Island, South Shetland Islands |
| 62°15'S, 58°39'W. Approximate area: 1.9 km2. The site is on the east side of Maxwell Bay between 'Mirounga Point' and the east side of Stranger Point, and occupies the coastal zone of varying width up to 500 m from the shoreline. Designation on the grounds that the area has a diverse avian and mammal fauna and locally rich vegetation. It is close to Jubany Station (Argentina) which is frequently visited by tour cruises. Long-term research programmes could be endangered by accidental disturbance, especially during breeding periods. Proposed by Argentina. Adopted at the ATCM XIII (Brussels, 1985). Designated for an indefinite period. | |
| 14. | Harmony Point, west coast of Nelson Island, South Shetland Islands |
| 62°18'S, 59°11'W. Approximate area: 4 km2. The site is on the western side of the island and includes Harmony Point and The Toe, the adjacent ice-free land and the intertidal zone. Designation on the grounds that it is an area rich in avian species, with large breeding colonies of 11 seabird species. Vegetation cover is extensive, and comprises a rich flora including mosses, lichen, and both species of flowering plants. Long-term research programmes could be disrupted by accidental disturbance, the destruction of vegetation and substratum, and perturbation of nesting areas. Jointly proposed by Argentina and Chile. Adopted at the ATCM XIII (Brussels, 1985). Designated for an indefinate period. | |
| 15. | Cierva Point and offshore islands, Danco Coast, Antarctic Peninsula |
| 64°10'S, 61°01'W. Approximate area: 51.8 km2. The site comprises the Cierva Point peninsula including the land west of a line from the south-east of the north side of the point through the summit of a flat hill of 540m high to the south-east of the south side of the point. Also included are 'Apéndice Island' ('Rivera Island'/Sterneck Island), 'José Hernández' ('Bofill Island'/Midas Island), and 'Lopez Island' (Moss Islands). Primavera Station (Argentina) and all its associated installations and areas of activities are excluded. Designation on the grounds that it sustains important avian populations, extensive vegetation and a diverse flora including the two Antarctic flowering plants and several liverworts, and invertebrate fauna. Long-term research programmes could be endangered by accidental disturbance, destruction of vegetation and soil, pollution of rock pools, and perturbation of breeding birds. Proposed by Argentina. Adopted at the ATCM XIII (Brussels, 1985). Designated for an indefinate period. | |
| 16. | North-eastern Bailey Peninsula, Budd Coast, Wilkes Land |
| 66°17'S, 110°33'E. Approximate area: 0.5 km2. Bailey Peninsula is situated between Newcomb and O'Brien bays at the west end of Vincennes Bay. The site consists of an irregular area of rock exposed during summer, surrounding the Casey Station (Australia) transmitter building. Designation on the grounds that it contains contrasting habitats and water bodies, has extremely rich lichen and moss communities and an important stand of liverwort. Proximity to the nearby station minimizes logistical problems for field research and, at the same time, maximizes the potential for disturbance of study areas. It is primarily for the latter reason that the site requires protection. Proposed by Australia. Adopted at the ATCM XIII (Brussels, 1985). Expiry of designation: 31 December 2000. | |
| 17. | Clark Peninsula, Budd Coast, Wilkes Land |
| 66°15'S, 110°35'E. Approximate area: 12.1 km2. Clark Peninsula is situated on the north side of Newcomb Bay at the western end of Vincennes Bay. The site comprises all land on Clark Peninsula within the southern boundary line connecting the east side of Stevenson Cove with trig station NM/5/6, trig station G3 and a point to the east-south-east on Løken Moraines. The western boundary is the easternmost limit of Løken Moraines as far north as a point due east of Blakeney Point, and thence to the coast. Designation on the grounds that, within the site, moss and lichen communities are being used as control sites to monitor the environmental impact of Casey Station (Australia). Proposed by Australia. Adopted at the ATCM XIII (Brussels, 1985). Expiry of designation: 31 December 2000. | |
| 18. | North-western White Island, McMurdo Sound |
| 78°07'S, 167°11'E. Approximate area: 170 km2. White Island rises out of the Ross Ice Shelf about 30 km south-south-east of Hut Point, Ross Island. It includes the north-west coastline of White Island from Cape Spencer-Smith in the north to a point protruding into the strait between White and Black islands in the south-west. It extends from high water mark to 5 km offshore across the Ross Ice Shelf. Designation on the grounds that the site supports a small population of Weddell seals which is physically isolated from the rest of mainland Antarctica by an ice shelf. It is one of the very few areas where Weddell seals feed under an ice shelf. It is also one of the most southerly Weddell seal populations and has been studied year-round. Proposed by the USA. Adopted at the ATCM XIII (Brussels, 1985). Expiry of designation: 31 December 2001. | |
| 19. | Linnaeus Terrace, Asgard Range, Victoria Land |
| 77°35'S, 161°05'E. Approximate area: 3.2 km2. The site is at the east end of Asgard Range to the north of Oliver Peak, between Don Juan Pond in the valley of South Fork, and Inland Forts, a small mountain range south-east of the Asgard Range. The site includes the flat terrace north and east of Oliver Peak, between about 1500 m and 1650 m altitude. Designation on the grounds that Linnaeus Terrace is one of the richest localities for the unique cryptoendolithic communities which colonize the Beacon Sandstone. Exposed rock surfaces exhibit a range of biological and physical weathering forms. Proposed by the USA. Adopted at the ATCM XIII (Brussels, 1985). Expiry of designation: 31 December 2000. | |
| 20. | Biscoe Point, Anvers Island |
| 64°48'S, 63°47'W. Approximate area: 2.7 km2. Biscoe Point is on the south-east side of Biscoe Bay on the south side of Anvers Island. The site includes the rocky promontory ending in Biscoe Point, the smaller headland immediately to the north and the small islet off the south-west of Biscoe Point. A narrow area of land between the two promontories is included, as is the inshore marine environment within the site boundaries. Designation on the grounds that the site contains a large but discontinuous stand of the two native flowering plants, Antarctic hair grass and Antarctic pearlwort. A relatively well-developed loam occurs beneath closed swards of the grass and contains a rich biota. Long-term programmes could be jeopardised by disturbance from the nearby Palmer Station (USA) and from tourist ships. Proposed by the USA. Adopted at the ATCM XIII (Brussels, 1985). Expiry of designation: 31 December 2000. | |
| 21. | Parts of Deception Island, South Shetland Islands |
| The site includes 5 areas on the coast of Port Foster. Area A: 63°00'S 60°34'W. From the west side of Entrance Point to the west side of Collins Point on the south side of Neptunes Bellows, and extending 500 m inland from the shore. Area B: 62°57'S 60°42'W. Mid Fumarole Bay, south-west of Wensleydale Beacon extending for 500 m along the shore, to the line of precipitous lava cliffs about 100 m inland. Area C: 62°56'S 60°40'W. The island created during the 1967 eruption in Telefon Bay, and including the low land, containing a lake, which joins the new island to the main island. Area D: 62°56'S 60°35'W. A strip 100 m wide extending from the high water mark of the heated shoreline of Pendulum Cove inland to a series of gullies about 750 m inland. The area lies about 300 m south of the former Pedro Aguirre Cerda Station (Chile). Area E: 62°58'S 60°34'W. Kroner Lake including the land within 50 m of its shore. Approximate area: 1.7 km2. Designation on the grounds that Deception Island is exceptional because of its volcanic activity, having had major eruptions in 1967, 1969 and 1970. The island offers unique opportunities to study colonization processes in an Antarctic environment. Proposed by the UK. Adopted at the ATCM XIII (Brussels, 1985). Expiry of designation: 31 December 2000. | |
| 22. | 'Yukidori Valley', Langhovde, Lützow-Holmbukta |
| 69°14'S, 39°45'E. Approximate area: 3.6 km2. Yukidori Valley is situated in the middle part of Langhovde on the east coast of Lützow-Holmbukta. The site encompasses the area between a tongue of the ice cap and sea at the western end of the valley; it extends up to 50 m offshore near the mouth of the stream. Designation on the grounds that it is representative of the typical Antarctic fellfield ecosystem. The area is used for long-term biological research and monitoring. Pedestrian traffic is increasing from the nearby Syowa Station (Japan) and it is necessary to keep to a minimum human impacts. Proposed by Japan. Adopted at the ATCM XIV (Rio de Janeiro, 1987). Expiry of designation: 31 December 2003. | |
| 23. | Svarthamaren, Mühlig-Hofmannfjella, Dronning Maud Land |
| 71°54'S, 5°10'E. Approximate area: 3.8 km2. Svarthamaren is an ice-free area about 200 km inland from Prinsesse Astrid Kyst. The site consists of about 3.9 km² of the north-east facing cliffs and screes north of the summit of Svarthamaren. Designation on the grounds that the Svarthamaren Antarctic petrel colony is the largest known seabird colony situated inland on the Antarctic continent, and probably represents a significant proportion of the world population of this species. The site provides for research on the Antarctic petrel, snow petrel and south polar skua, and the study of adaptations by seabirds breeding inland. Proposed by Norway. Adopted at the ATCM XIV (Rio de Janeiro, 1987). Expiry of designation: 31 December 2000. | |
| 24. | Summit of Mount Melbourne, North Victoria Land |
| 74°21'S, 164°41'E. Approximate area: 8.4 km2. The site comprises all terrain above the 2200 m contour surrounding the main volcanic crater. Designation on the grounds that the ice-free geothermal areas support a unique cryptogamic flora and microbiota and accumulations of organic matter. Uncontrolled human activity within this area could cause severe damage through trampling, compacting of soil and altering soil temperature gradients, changing rates of steam release and possibly causing the introduction of alien micro-organisms and cryptogamic plants. Jointly proposed by New Zealand and Italy. Adopted at the ATCM XIV (Rio de Janeiro, 1987). Expiry of designation: 31 December 2000. | |
| 25. | Marine Plain, Mule Peninsula, Vestfold Hills, Princess Elizabeth Land |
| 68°36'S, 78°07'E. Approximate area: 23.4 km2. Marine Plain opens into an arm of Crooked Fjord on the southern side of Mule Peninsula. The site extends from 68°36'30"S, 78°09'00"E; to 68°36'45"S, 78°10'30"E; to 68°37'30"S, 78°12'30"E; thence south along the meridian 78°12'30"E to its intersection by the low water mark on the northern shore of Crooked Fjord; it follows the low water mark on the northern shore of Crooked Fjord to its intersection with the meridian 78°03'00"E; thence north along the meridian to its intersection with the parallel 68°37'30"S, then northeasterly to 68°70'02"S, 78°05'00"E and finally northeastwards to the point of commencement. Designation on the grounds of its vertebrate fossil fauna, including a recently discovered species, genus, and probably family of fossil dolphin. Burton Lake, within the site, represents a unique stage in the biological and physico-chemical evolution of a terrestrial water body from the marine environment. Proposed by Australia. Adopted at the ATCM XIV (Rio de Janeiro, 1987). Expiry of designation: 31 December 2000. | |
| 26. | 'Chile Bay' (Discovery Bay), Greenwich Island, South Shetland Islands |
| The site comprises two small areas of benthic habitat. A: between 62°28'54"S and 62°29'18"S; and between 59°41'12"W and 59°41'43"W. B: between 62°28'18"S and 62°28'42"S; and between 59°40'15"W and 59°40'47"W. Approximate area: 0.8 km2. Designation on the grounds that in 'Chile Bay' there has been continuous benthic research since 1967. Data being accumulated provide a baseline for long-term scientific investigations. The site requires protection from possible harmful interference. Proposed by Chile. Adopted at the ATCM XIV (Rio de Janeiro, 1987). Expiry of designation: 31 December 2000. | |
| 27. | Port Foster, Deception Island, South Shetland Islands |
| The site comprises two small areas of benthic habitat. A: between 62°55'30"S and 62°56'12"S; and between 60°37'00"W and 60°38'00"W. B: between 62°57'12"S and 62°57'54"S; and between 60°36'20"W and 60°37'20"W. Approximate area: 1.9 km2. Designation on the grounds of exceptional ecological interest because of its active volcanic character. The two habitat areas are subject to long-term research and it is necessary to reduce the risk of accidental interference which could jeopardise these studies. Proposed by Chile. Adopted at the ATCM XIV (Rio de Janeiro, 1987). Expiry of designation: 31 December 2000. | |
| 28. | South Bay, Doumer Island, Palmer Archipelago |
| The centroid of the area is 64°52'S 63°35'W. The site consists of a small area of coastal and sub-tidal benthos bounded by 64°51'42"S to the north, between 63°34'00"W and 63°35'20"W, and to the south by a diagonal line that starts at a point 100 m north of the Chilean refuge Yelcho on the southern shore of South Bay and extends to 64°51'58"S, 63°34'00"W. Approximate area: 1 km2. Designation on the grounds that the site is the subject of a long-term study on marine ecology, and to reduce the risk of accidental interference which might jeopardize those investigations. Proposed by Chile. Adopted at the ATCM XIV (Rio de Janeiro, 1987). Expiry of designation: 31 December 2000. | |
| 29. | Ablation Point-Ganymede Heights, Alexander Island |
| The centroid of the area is 70°50'S 68°24'W. The site extends from 70°45'S to 70°55'S; and from 68°40'W to the George VI Sound coastline. Approximate area: 186 km2. Designation on the grounds that it represents one of the largest ablation areas in West Antarctica. It has a complex lithology and a wide range of geomorphological features including raised beaches, moraine systems, and patterned ground. There are several freshwater lakes and ponds, some ice-covered, supporting a diverse fauna. The terrestrial and freshwater systems are vulnerable to human impact and therefore merit protection. Proposed by the UK. Adopted at the ATCM XV (Paris, 1989). Expiry of designation: 31 December 2000. | |
| 30. | Avian Island redesignated as SPA No.21 |
| 31. | Mount Flora, Hope Bay, Antarctic Peninsula |
| 63°25'S, 57°00'W. Approximate area: 0.6 km2. Mount Flora is situated about 1 km south of Hope Bay and about 1 km south-east of Esperanza Station (Argentina). The site comprises the upper slopes of Mount Flora above 250 m altitude where the plant-beds of sandstone and siltstone outcrop has a distinct black band between the lower black band of conglomerates and light-coloured volcanic rocks which cap the mountain. Designation on the grounds of its rich fossil flora. It was one of the first fossil floras discovered in Antarctica and has played a significant stratigraphic role in deducing the geological history of the Antarctic Peninsula. Its long history as a geological research site combined with its easy accessibility has made it vulnerable to souvenir collectors, and for this reason it merits protection. Proposed by the UK. Adopted at the ATCM XV (Paris, 1989). Expiry of designation: 31 December 2000. | |
| 32. | Cape Shirreff, Livingston Island, South Shetland Islands |
| 62°29'S, 60°48'W. Approximate area: 3.47 km². The ice-free peninsula lying to the north of the northern margin of the permanent ice cap on Livingston Island, between Barclay Bay and Hero Bay. The site includes most of the Telmo Island group about 2 km west of Cape Shirreff. Designation on the grounds that both Antarctic fur seal and penguin breeding colonies, and krill fisheries within the foraging range of these species, make this a critical site for ecosystem monitoring. Cape Shirreff supports a diversity of flora and fauna, including many invertebrates, and a substantial population of elephant seals. Proposed by the USA. Adopted at the ATCM XV (Paris, 1989). Expiry of designation: 31 December 2000. (This site is also CEMP site No. 2). | |
| 33. | Ardley Island, Maxwell Bay, King George Island |
| 62°13'S, 58°56'W. Approximate area: 1.5 km2. The island is situated 500 m east of the coast of Fildes Peninsula. It is 1 km south-east of Bellingshausen Station (Russia) and Presidente Eduardo Frei Station (Chile), and 500 m east of Great Wall Station (China). Designation on the grounds that it has diverse avifauna with 12 breeding species, and is of particular importance for its breeding colonies of gentoo, Adélie, and chinstrap penguins as well as southern giant petrels, Wilson's storm petrels, and black-bellied storm petrels. The island possesses a climax fellfield ecosystem dominated by macrolichens; such vegetation is extremely sensitive to human disturbance. A 'tourist area' has been designated on the north side of the island within the boundary of the site. Proposed by Chile. Adopted at the ATCM XVI (Bonn, 1991). Expiry of designation: 31 December 2001. | |
| 34. | Lions Rump, King George Island, South Shetland Islands |
| The area is bounded by 62°07'48"S, 58°09'17"W; 62°07'49"S, 58°07'14"W; 62°08'19"S, 58°07'19"W; and 62°08'16"S, 58°09'15"W. Approximate area: 1.3 km2. Designated on the grounds that the area is representative of the terrestrial, limnological and littoral ecosystems of King George Island, possessing diverse biota and rock formations. There is a rich flora, especially of lichens, and the two native flowering plants. Twelve species of birds nest within the area, including colonies of Adélie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins. There are large numbers of elephant seals and fur seals on the beaches. It is a rich part of the coastal ecosystem that has not been disturbed by human activity apart from research personnel. Proposed by Poland. Adopted at the ATCM XVI (Bonn, 1991). Expiry of designation: 31 December 2001. | |
| 35. | Western Bransfield Strait off Low Island, South Shetland Islands |
| This marine SSSI lies off the southern shore of Low Island between 63°20'S and 63°35'S; 61°45'W and 62°30'W. Approximate area: 1100 km2. A small portion of Low Island projects into the area; here the northern limit of the marine SSSI is the associated intertidal zone, extending to depths of about 200m and then deepening rapidly near the boundaries of the marine SSSI. Designation on the grounds that the shallow shelf south of Low Island is one of the only two known sites in the vicinity of Palmer Station (USA) that are suitable for bottom trawling for fish and other benthic organisms (see also SSSI No. 36). The site offers unique opportunities to study the composition, structure and dynamics of several accessible marine communities. Proposed by the USA. Adopted at the ATCM XVI (Bonn, 1991). Expiry of designation: 31 December 2001. | |
| 36. | Eastern Dallmann Bay off Brabant Island, Palmer Archipelago |
| This marine SSSI lies off the western shore of Brabant Island between 64°00'S and 64°20'S; and from 62°50'W east to the intertidal zone. Approximate area: 710 km2. Designation on the grounds that the shallow shelf off Brabant Island is one of only two known sites near Palmer Station (USA) that are suitable for bottom trawling for fish and other benthic organisms (see also SSSI No. 35). The benthic community includes numerous fish species, invertebrates, and marine plants. Proposed by the USA. Adopted at the ATCM XVI (Bonn, 1991). Expiry of designation: 31 December 2001. | |
| 37. | Botany Bay, Cape Geology, Victoria Land |
| 77°00'S, 162°35'E. Approximate area: 2.15 km2. The area encompasses much of the catchment above Botany Bay and consists of raised boulder beach terraces, weathered rocky steppes and irregular rock platforms around Cape Geology, extending south to include a well defined elevated cirque containing a small ice field. HSM No. 67 lies within the area. Designated on the grounds that it is an extremely rich botanical refuge for such a high latitude location, with a lichen and moss species diversity and abundance that is unique for Southern Victoria Land, abundant growths of algae, large populations of invertebrates and a colony of south polar skua. Proposed by New Zealand. Adopted at the ATCM XXI (Christchurch, 1997). Designated for an indefinite period. | |