Documents

ATCM XXVII and CEP VII 2004, Capetown, South Africa

Information Paper

IP068: SCAR Report to XXVIII ATCM

Summary:

At XXV ATCM WP038 SCAR proposed a process for providing the CEP with recommendations for Special Protection based on an international assessment of all the available scientific evidence. SCAR proposed to undertake the assessment with the appropriate groups in IUCN to establish which species fell into the categories Vulnerable, Endangered and Critically Endangered. This paper reports on progress made in this endeavour and future action required. 

ATCM XXVII and CEP VII 2004, Capetown, South Africa

Information Paper

IP074: Progress with Planning the International Polar Year 2007–2008

Summary:

In response to Information Paper 120 submitted by SCAR at the ATCMXXVI in Madrid, the representatives of the Antarctic Treaty Parties adopted Resolution 3 (2003) on “Support of the ATCM for the International Polar Year 2007/8”. This paper reports on progress made in the planning of the International Polar Year, including an initial outline of the science plan.

ATCM XXVII and CEP VII 2004, Capetown, South Africa

Information Paper

IP078: SCAR Report on Marine Acoustic Technology and the Antarctic Environment

Summary:

The sea is a naturally noisy environment but the environmental effects of noise generated specifically by human activities in the ocean have generated considerable concern in some circles. Research to clearly identify the risks, the problem and the possible management solutions has made significant progress since the last SCAR workshop and report in 2001. Additional incidents of injury to marine mammals have also taken place in various parts of the world and these provide lessons for the management of activities in the Antarctic.

To make use of the new scientific results in understanding how marine noise impacts on the Antarctic environment, SCAR sponsored a second workshop on 12–13 May 2004 at the British Antarctic Survey, Cambridge. The meeting addressed the question: “What major research outputs have become available since the 2001 workshop and how do they change the understanding of the risks and impacts?”. The meeting undertook a structured risk evaluation of examples of scientific instruments deployed in Antarctic research programs and carried out the same process for other activities known to impact marine life to provide perspective on the particular risks posed by scientific activities. The meeting then discussed what improvements have been made in mitigation measures and their application and reviewed documents submitted since the 2001 workshop by Germany, Spain and the ASOC.

In the light of these discussions the first SCAR report will now be significantly revised but it is important to note that this workshop supported the major finding of the previous workshop that there is no new evidence that leads SCAR to the conclusion that a blanket ban on acoustic technology is warranted. 

ATCM XXVII and CEP VII 2004, Capetown, South Africa

Information Paper

IP083: SCAR Report to XXVII ATCM

Summary:

This paper gives an overview of SCAR and its principle scientific activities. It notes the appointment of Dr Colin P Summerhayes as SCAR Executive Director, outlines progress on planning for the International Polar Year 2007-2008 and introduces a new programme proposal on Subglacial Antarctic Lake Exploration (SALE). Appendices include membership of SCAR, SCAR Executive Committee, SCAR Secretariat and SCAR Chief Officers.

ATCM XXVII and CEP VII 2004, Capetown, South Africa

Information Paper

IP100: Subglacial Lakes of Antarctica

Summary:

This paper gives an overview of subglacial lakes in Antarctica, including what they are, how they form and key considerations for plans to enter and sample Subglacial Lake Vostok. 

ATCM XXVII and CEP VII 2004, Capetown, South Africa

 An overview of SCAR Papers submitted to ATCM XXVII and CEP VII 2004