pdf WP002: Biological Prospecting in the Antarctic Region: a Conservative Overview of Current Research

ATCM XXXIII and CEP XIII 2010, Punta del Este, Uruguay

Working Paper

WP002: Biological Prospecting in the Antarctic Region: a Conservative Overview of Current Research

Summary:

This paper considers the complexities of biological prospecting in Antarctica. Considerations include that a definition of bioprospecting has not been reached, that bioprospecting activities are not always able to be identified as such and that the orgaisms concerned are not always limited to the Antarctic region. The paper gives and overview of the published research in the area and reports on responses to a SCAR-member survey on biological prospecting. It is concluded that biological prospecting research in the Antarctic region and/or involving Antarctic organisms is extensive and widespread.

See the SCAR-member biological prospecting survey questionnaire ( pdf ATT003 (79 KB) ).