Documents

SCAR XXXII IP24: Progress Against Previous Actions

Executive Summary

Title: SCAR Combined Actions

Authors: M Sparrow

Introduction/ Background: Actions from all of SCAR’s major meetings are combined into a single document. Each Quarter the Secretariat provides EXCOM with an update to this combined Action list (along with its Quarterly Report and forward job plan). Progress with Actions that have not been completed are noted.

SCAR XXXII IP25: Antarctic Conservation for the 21st Century: Background, Progress, and Future Directions

Executive Summary

Title: Antarctic Conservation for the 21st Century: Background, progress, and future directions

Authors: Steven Chown

Introduction/ Background: Recognizing the need for an integrated, comprehensive and dynamic plan for the conservation of Antarctica and associated and dependent ecosystems, initial steps have been taken by SCAR, New Zealand and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to formulate a strategy for the future based on the latest developments in conservation science and practice. This paper describes developments to date and proposes a methodical way forward in the development of what is collectively referred to as the Antarctic Conservation Strategy (ACS). A draft preliminary list of the issues to be included in the ACS is appended (Appendix 1). The ACS will only be as useful as the extent to which it is a dynamic strategy supported by all stakeholders and broadly implemented. Further activities will seek the assistance and advice of all of those with an interest and stake in Antarctic conservation.

Partners: IUCN, WWF, Treaty Parties, CCAMLR

Budget Implications: Continued funding of SC-ATS at $20,000 per year

SCAR XXXII IP26a: Application for 2013/2014 Major Meeting Funds – Biology Symposium

SCAR XXXII IP26b: Application for 2013/2014 Major Meeting Funds – Gordon Research

SCAR XXXII IP27: Bids to Host 2016 SCAR Meetings

SCAR XXXII WP01: Agenda

SCAR XXXII WP02: Annotated Agenda

SCAR XXXII WP03: List of Documents

SCAR XXXII WP04: Timetable

SCAR XXXII WP05: Application of Venezuela for Associate Membership

(SCAR Circular no 790)

Executive Summary

Title: Application of Venezuela for Associate Membership

Authors: Venezuelan authorities

Important Issues or Factors:  From the SCAR Rules of Procedure:

Applications for Associate Membership:

1.3.1 are usually expected to precede application for full membership; and

1.3.2 shall be accompanied by a statement of what the applicant hopes to contribute to and/or gain from the Charity.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification:  Delegates are requested to consider the Venezuelan application for Associate Membership of SCAR

Budget Implications: $5,000 annual membership fee for Associate Membership

SCAR XXXII WP06: The SCAR Membership Fees

Executive Summary

Title: The SCAR Membership Fees

Authors: M C Kennicutt, A L Huiskes, M Sparrow, R Badhe

Introduction/ Background:

In 2010 the SCAR Delegates agreed to the following Resolution:

“Delegates agree the need for an increase in contributions of up to 20% in 2012 based on a business case that SCAR will provide for Delegates to take to their funding agencies.”

The Business case was circulated (IP4) to all Delegates.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification:

Delegates are asked to approve the proposed fee increases for each membership category (see document). 

Budget Implications: The budget implications of approving, not approving, or a mid-way scenario are outlined in the draft budgets for 2013 (WP35) and 2014 (WP36) as well as the Business Case (IP4).

SCAR XXXII WP07: Proposal for a new SRP: State of the Antarctic Ecosystem (AntEco)

Executive Summary

Title: Proposal for a new SRP – State of the Antarctic Ecosystem

Authors:  Don Cowan

Introduction/ Background:

SCAR Scientific Research Programmes (SRPs) are transformative scientific initiatives that address compelling issues and emerging frontiers in Antarctic or Southern Ocean science of regional and global importance. SRPs are SCAR’s highest level of investment in science. SRPs advance scientific questions that are expected to require sustained efforts by international teams of scientists and researchers for six to eight years.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification:  

The SCAR Delegates are requested to evaluate the proposals. Comments received from external reviews and the SCAR SSGs and Standing Committees should be considered.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes:  A strong next generation of SRPs will help ensure SCAR is at the forefront of Antarctic and Southern Ocean Science.

Partners: Each proposed SRP links with the other proposed SRPs as well as other SCAR groups and external partners – see individual proposals for details.

Budget Implications: $16,000 a year

SCAR XXXII WP08: Proposal for a new SRP: Antarctic Thresholds – Ecosystem Resilience and Adaptation (AnT-ERA)

Executive Summary

Title: Proposal for a new SRP: Antarctic Thresholds – Ecosystem Resilience and Adaptation (AnT-ERA)

Authors:  Julian Gutt

Introduction/ Background:

SCAR Scientific Research Programmes (SRPs) are transformative scientific initiatives that address compelling issues and emerging frontiers in Antarctic or Southern Ocean science of regional and global importance. SRPs are SCAR’s highest level of investment in science. SRPs advance scientific questions that are expected to require sustained efforts by international teams of scientists and researchers for six to eight years.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification:  

The SCAR Delegates are requested to evaluate the proposals. Comments received from external reviews and the SCAR SSGs and Standing Committees should be considered.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes:  A strong next generation of SRPs will help ensure SCAR is at the forefront of Antarctic and Southern Ocean Science.

Partners: Each proposed SRP links with the other proposed SRPs as well as other SCAR groups and external partners – see individual proposals for details.

Budget Implications: $20,000 a year

SCAR XXXII WP09: Proposal for a new SRP: Antarctic Climate Change in the 21^st Century (AntClim²¹)

Executive Summary

Title: Proposal for a new SRP – Antarctic Climate Change in the 21^st Century (AntClim²¹)

Authors: Nancy Bertler

Introduction/ Background:

SCAR Scientific Research Programmes (SRPs) are transformative scientific initiatives that address compelling issues and emerging frontiers in Antarctic or Southern Ocean science of regional and global importance. SRPs are SCAR’s highest level of investment in science. SRPs advance scientific questions that are expected to require sustained efforts by international teams of scientists and researchers for six to eight years.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification:  

The SCAR Delegates are requested to evaluate the proposals. Comments received from external reviews and the SCAR SSGs and Standing Committees should be considered.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes:  A strong next generation of SRPs will help ensure SCAR is at the forefront of Antarctic and Southern Ocean Science.

Partners: Each proposed SRP links with the other proposed SRPs as well as other SCAR groups and external partners – see individual proposals for details.

Budget Implications: $20,000 a year

SCAR XXXII WP10: Proposal for a new SRP: Past Antarctic Ice Sheet Dynamics (PAIS)

SCAR XXXII WP11: Proposal for a new SRP: Solid Earth Response and Cryosphere Evolution (SERCE)

Executive Summary

Title: Proposal for a new SRP – Solid Earth Response and Cryosphere Evolution (SERCE)

Authors: Terry Wilson

Introduction/ Background:

SCAR Scientific Research Programmes (SRPs) are transformative scientific initiatives that address compelling issues and emerging frontiers in Antarctic or Southern Ocean science of regional and global importance. SRPs are SCAR’s highest level of investment in science. SRPs advance scientific questions that are expected to require sustained efforts by international teams of scientists and researchers for six to eight years.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification:  

The SCAR Delegates are requested to evaluate the proposals. Comments received from external reviews and the SCAR SSGs and Standing Committees should be considered.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes:  A strong next generation of SRPs will help ensure SCAR is at the forefront of Antarctic and Southern Ocean Science.

Partners: Each proposed SRP links with the other proposed SRPs as well as other SCAR groups and external partners – see individual proposals for details.

Budget Implications: $20,000 a year

SCAR XXXII WP12: Report of the SCAR Standing Scientific Group on Physical Sciences (SSG-PS)

Executive Summary

Title: SCAR Standing Scientific Group on Physical Sciences (SSG/PS), Report to the Delegates, SCAR XXXII July, 2010

Authors:  M. Candidi, T. Yamanouchi, T. van Ommen

Relevant URLs or references to other reports:

 Bulletin 180

Introduction/ Background:

Highlights, Progress and Plans of SSG/PS, were outlined at the SCAR Executive Committee (EXCOM) Meeting, Edinburgh, UK, 18-19th July 2011, by Dr. T. Yamanouchi, Chief Officer for SSG/PS.

ICESTAR became a new Expert Group and AAA was approved as an SRP. AGCS will end in 2012 and be replaced by “Antarctic Climate 21” or “AntClim21” (formerly PACE (Past and Future Changes of the Antarctic Environment) PPG) subject to Delegate approval. The Antarctic Clouds and Aerosols (ACA) group and the Southern Ocean Acidification Action Group have been established. The GPS for Weather and Space Weather Forecasting (GWSWF) Action Group has discussed its Terms of Reference and will be jointly sponsored as an Expert Group by PS and GS; the name of the group will be changed to GRAPE (GNSS Research and Application for Polar Environment).

There was a discussion on interactions with programs outside of SCAR (e.g. IPICS). Agreements with groups external to SCAR can take several forms (e.g. as a SCAR Expert Group or through a letter of agreement). These agreements are to be regularly reviewed to ensure partnerships are functioning and beneficial. These partnerships are important and leverage SCAR resources.

The Ice Sheet Mass Balance and Sea Level (ISMASS) Expert Group held a workshop in association with the SCAR meetings in Portland on July 14. The meeting was highly successful and marks the beginning of a new era in coordination of this key research area.

AAA: a very well attended session of the Antarctic astronomical community at the SCAR OSC in Portland, devoted to astronomy and astrophysics, testifies of its growth within SCAR. New exciting results are emerging due to the specific qualities of the Antarctic sites (both atmosphere and ice quality).

Budget Implications:  Estimated SCAR funding needed by SSG/PS for the next 2 years (in USD) :

$ 33.5k in 2013 and $ 19.5k in 2014. (Pending approval of the finance committee)

SCAR XXXII WP13: Report of the SCAR Standing Scientific Group on Life Sciences (SSG-LS)

Title: SSG Life Sciences

Authors: Kathy Conlan

Introduction/ Background:

Executive Summary

SSG Life Sciences

Kathleen Conlan

Introduction/ Background:

Scientific Research Programme Proposals: Following approval by the Delegates, Don Cowan (SA) developed AntEco (State of the Antarctic Ecosystem) and Julian Gutt (GER) developed AnT-ERA (Antarctic Thresholds – Ecosystem Resilience and Adaptation) in consultation with the largest possible diversity of scientists.  In Jan. 2012 leaders of the five programme proposals met to maximize interconnections among the life, physical and geosciences.  The proposals were submitted in Apr. 2012 and positive reviews were received in June 2012. 

EG-Human Biology and Medicine has merged with its COMNAP counterpart and now has Draft membership, mission and science statements. It is currently researching and/or advising on: aliens in food, infectious diseases, telemedicine, Antarctica as a space analogue, Lyme Disease, vitamin D deficiency, a common summer medical standard and electronic health records.

EG-Continuous Plankton Recorder and the SCAR Southern Ocean CPR Survey now involves over a dozen countries and completes 45-50 tows/yr.  By the end of 2012, its database will comprise 36,000+ records, equalling 180,000 nautical miles of survey from nearly 650 tows.  A major finding this year was of a bloom of warm-water associated Noctiluca 242 km further into the Southern Ocean than previously known.  This dinoflagellate causes “red tide” and is a competitor of copepods, which are essential food for many top predators in the Southern Ocean.

EG-Birds and Marine Mammals has participated in the long-term effort of collecting and compiling data for several databases: The references database (3450 references concerning 102 SCAR species), the Synthesis of Antarctic Tracking Data (collaborating with CCAMLR and Birdlife International), the Penguiness Book database (outreach for the general public) and the Census of Antarctic Marine Life database (436 699 at-sea sightings comprising 244 866 bird sightings, 178 480 seal sightings and 13 353 cetacean sightings).  Products planned are a CCAMLR report on biodiversity of the d’Urville Sea (East Antarctica) and The Biogeographic Atlas of the Census of Antarctic Marine Life.

The Antarctic Biodiversity Information Facility is developing or expanding websites for identification guides, biogeographic information, online publishing and data sharing.  A new focus is on microbial data.   ANTABIF requires SCAR support to ensure sustainability.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: 

1. The SSG-LS recommends that the proposed SRP, State of the Antarctic Ecosystem (AntEco), that is crucial to SCAR and its biology community be adopted by the SCAR delegates for implementation. AntECO will be the next generation program for studying and understanding the biodiversity and evolution of Antarctic organisms, and will provide essential data and insights for establishing policies for management and conservation. AntECO and its complementary biological program AntERA are integral to the success of SCAR’s cross program approach.
2. The SSG-LS recommends that the proposed SRP, Antarctic Thresholds – Ecosystem Resilience and Adaptation (AnT-ERA), that is crucial to SCAR and its biology community be adopted by the SCAR delegates for implementation. Ant-ERA will be the next generation program for characterizing the resistance and resilience of Antarctic organisms to ongoing and future climate change. This program will address key questions about the vulnerability of the Antarctic ecosystem to environmental perturbations on variety of temporal and spatial scales. AnT-ERA and its complementary biological program AntEco are integral to the success of SCAR’s cross program approach
3. The SSG-LS recommends that the delegates approve the nomination of Dr. Anne Hicks of the United Kingdom as the SCAR representative to the International Union of Circumpolar Health (IUCH). She will replace, with thanks, Dr. Giichiro Ohno of Japan.
4. Because of the increasing need for high resolution imagery from Antarctica and the advances in technology that allow the use of such imagery to assist in the study of many physical and biological processes, the SSG-LS recommends the formation of a new cross action group to coordinate the development and adaptation of remote sensing methodology to promote new avenues of research.
5. Regarding the rehabilitation of wildlife to the Antarctic, the SSG-LS recommends that SCAR remind the CEP/ATS and CCAMLR of the 1999 SCAR recommendation XXIV-3. The SSG-LS proposes that this recommendation be updated as follows: “SCAR discourages the practice of returning rehabilitated wildlife to the Antarctic environment to reduce the risk of transfer of disease to Antarctic ecosystems and to ensure the health of Antarctic wildlife populations”.
6. The Cross SSGs Group, Advancing TecHnological and ENvironmental stewardship for subglacial exploration in Antarctica (ATHENA) has made great progress in their work and require addition time to complete their charge. The SSG-LS requests a one-year extension for the ATHENA expert group to finalize its work.
7. To improve efficiency and engage a wider range of experts in pollution issues, the SSG-LS recommends the merger of the Action Group on Antarctic Fuel Spills (AGAFS) with the action group on Environmental Contamination in Antarctica (ECA).
8. The achievements and crucial usefulness of Antarctic Biodiversity Information Facility (ANTABIF), which has superceded SCAR MarBin, has been clearly demonstrated. The SSG-LS asks that the Delegates recommendthat SCAR expresses its strong support to the Belgian Science Policy Office (BELSPO), encouraging the integration of ANTABIF in the EU Lifewatch infrastructure, leading to its long-term sustainability; that SCAR urge the National Committees to endorse ANTABIF as the primary repository for Antarctic biodiversity data for their national Antarctic programs and that National Committees encourage their funding agencies to initiate and/or continue support for ANTABIF through SCAR, as an open access service to the community.  This will enable SCAR to continue to efficiently contribute primary data and expertise to subsidiary bodies and interested parties, enable ANTABIF to be the main biodiversity data provider to SOOS, and enable SCAR to be actively associated with emerging global initiatives.
9. The SSG-LS recognizes the excellent efforts and accomplishments of the Action Group for Antarctic Biodiversity Information Facility (ANTABIF) and recommends the transition to an Expert Group on Antarctic Biodiversity Informatics (EG-ABI) (see Appendix).
10. The SSG-LS expresses its appreciation to EBA and recommends the retirement of this program upon the approval of the two new SRPs.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes and Partnerships: 

AntEco and AnT-ERA deal with the most topical and societally important questions of this century and have close interconnectedness with SOOS and ICED as well as with the other proposed SCAR SRPs, especially AntClim²¹ and SERCE.  They will propel SCAR forward as the leading advisory organization on the Antarctic.  ANTABIF is the prime focal point for data from these LS programmes as well as from CAML, EG-CPR and EG-BAMM.  These groups are in turn essential for the success of SCAR and provide important advice and support to CEP and CCAMLR.  The JEG-HB&M is an important resource and advisor for both SCAR and COMNAP.  All groups mentor the next generation (within and outside APECS) and provide outreach, especially via ANTABIF and APECS.  They also provide insight, data and linkages to the Arctic Science community through IASC.

Budget Implications: 2013: 31K USD; 2014: 30K USD

SCAR XXXII WP14: Report of the SCAR Standing Scientific Group on Geosciences (SSG-GS)

Executive Summary

Title: SCAR Standing Scientific Group on GeoSciences (SSG-GS), Report to the Delegates, XXXII SCAR, July 2012

Authors:  A.Capra, P.O’Brien, M.Hambrey

Relevant URLs or references to other reports:

Bulletin 180

Bulletin 181

Introduction/ Background:

Highlights, Progress and Plans of SSG-GS, were outlined at the SCAR Executive Committee (EXCOM) Meeting, Edinburgh, UK, 18-19th July 2011, by Prof. A.Capra, Chief Officer for SSG-GS.

Information on SERCE PPG was even reported on SCAR Bulletin 181– SCAR Annual report 2011.

A very important event was the XI International Symposium on Antarctic Earth Sciences held in Edinburgh, Scotland, July 2011. The ISAES XI meeting in Edinburgh was attended by 502 delegates, of which 111 were students, demonstrating the vitality of Earth Sciences and the enthusiasm of early career scientists. A total of 563 abstracts were submitted (264 oral, 299 poster). There were 16 plenary talks by leading Antarctic geoscientists, with the remainder of the symposium delivered in 22 parallel sessions. In addition, there were 10 workshops related to ACE, Expert Groups and Action Groups, whilst APECS held an effective mentoring session.

The SSG GS welcomed the offer of Dr. NC Pant and Prof. Ravindra to host ISAES XII in Goa, India in July 2015 and unanimously accepted this proposal.

The GPS for Weather and Space Weather Forecasting (GWSWF) Action Group is discussing its Terms of Reference and will be jointly sponsored by GS and PS. GWSWF became an EG named GRAPE GNSS Research and Application for Polar Environment. SSG-PS interactions with SERCE/POLENET were explored.

There was a relevant discussion on Antarctica geo-heritage and the results are synthesized in a proposal of a new AG.

During CEP meeting in Hobart came out important issues even for GS. See the following report.

Two projects principally coming out from GS will be presented as SRP proposals: PAIS and SERCE.

We also present a report on GS product as Antarctic Seismic Data Library. Then AG and EG and even joint SSGs report are presented.

We also provide brief reports on Public Outreach and on Publications.

SSG *was informed* of the problems that Swedish Antarctic research are facing due to the Oden icebreaker not being permitted for use in the Southern Ocean. The delegates decide to express support to Swedish scientific community, based on acclamated scientific relevance of research results obtained through ODENs utilization. The CO and the Secretary will send a document to SCAR Excom.

Budget Implications:  Estimated SCAR funding needed by SSG/GS for the next 2 years (in USD):

$ 20k in 2013 and $ 25k in 2014. (Pending approval of the finance committee)

SCAR XXXII WP15: Final Report of Antarctic Climate Evolution (ACE)

Title: Antarctic Climate Evolution (ACE)

Authors: C. Escutia and R. DeConto

Introduction/ Background: The SCAR Antarctic Climate Evolution (ACE) Programme represents the interests of a large land and marine geoscience research community focusing in deciphering the record of the onset and the response of the Antarctic ice sheets to past climate changes across a range of timescales. ACE coordinates the integration between geophysical and geological records of past ice sheet behavior and coupled climate, ocean, and ice sheet models. The Programme has a planned lifetime of 2005-2013.

Important Issues or Factors: (what do the SSGs and Delegates need to be aware of) The present Antarctic ice sheet has existed for approximately 34 million years. Understanding the response of the Antarctic ice sheet to climatic forcing is essential because changes in the ice sheet can have major impacts on global sea level and can impact the entire climate system through a wide range of physical and chemical feedbacks. Since ACE’s last Report to Delegates during the SCAR OSC 2010, ACE continues to be very active in its primary coordination role, promoting interactions amongst geologists, geophysicists, modelers and other polar scientists from the climate, ocean and ice coring communities. ACE continues to promote work within its subcommittees to address gaps in our knowledge about the role of Antarctic ice sheets in the global climate system. ACE subcommittees synthesize the state of the art of our knowledge and define the future questions and challenges that are critical for providing science-based advise to major scientific programmes (i.e., IODP, ERICON-AB) and policy makers (i.e., IPCC). To address some of these outstanding questions ACE has been active in guiding the community and is sponsoring a workshop on Antarctic Drilling during the SCAR OSC 2012 for the coordinated submission of a series of drilling proposals (ANDRILL, IODP, and subglacial sampling) in key areas around Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. In this last 2 years of the Programme, ACE is also playing an active and central role in the development of a proposal to SCAR for the new SRP Past Antarctic Ice Sheet Dynamics (PAIS) to succeed ACE. In addition, and as it has been done in the past, ACE has continued to be active in proposing dedicated sessions and workshops in all international meetings, including AGU, EGU, ISAES and the 2012 SCAR OSC, and in the publishing of its results in high impact journals.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification:  (what actions are you requesting of the SSGs and Delegates and why they should agree) Support for ACE plans for the remaining life of the Programme and input from the Delegates on ACE plans based on the new SCAR Strategic Plan.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes:  (if the actions are taken what outcomes are expected) Significant publication output (both content and numbers), Publications and science relevant to “Big- science” programmes and policy makers, enhancement of SCAR profile

Partners: (will this involve others both within and outside of SCAR?) IPICS; PAGES of the IGBP; IASC on APEX; ANDRILL, SHALDRIL, IODP and ERICON-AB.

Budget Implications: Request for confirmation of SCAR science programme funding at current level for planned remainder of the Programme’s operation to 2013.