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Clothing and field equipment

Grass seed found on expeditioner's clothing Photo: AAD

In terms of biological hazards, we have worked with suppliers to redesign field equipment and clothing range. Prototypes are being designed and manufactured that will minimise or eliminate the threat of alien organisms to Antarctica and the subantarctic islands.

These include:

1. Rounded pockets that are easy to vacuum to minimise the risk of introduction of unwanted organisms.

Not using fasteners such as velcro, which attract seeds, or fabrics such as open weave mesh, which has the ability to trap seeds, soil and insects.

Coupled with these design modifications, are better training of expeditioners, cleaning of boots, gear and clothing on board ships, and regular surveillance of equipment being taken south to ensure gear is either new or rigorously clean.