Introduction
The following information, regarding environmental protection under Australian legislation, is provided as general guidance only. Australian citizens proposing to undertake activities in Antarctic regions must ensure they understand and will comply with all other legal requirements before commencing any activities.
For more information:
- Refer to EIA key steps
- Contact the Antarctic and Environmental Regulation Section (eia@aad.gov.au)
Antarctic Treaty Area (south of 60ºS)
The Antarctic Treaty Area includes all land, water and ice shelfs south of 60ºS latitude.
All proposed Australian activities within the Antarctic Treaty Area must apply for environmental approval by submitting an EIA to the AAD (application form available in key documents and forms), which will also determine if any additional permits are required.
Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CAMLR) Area
The CAMLR Convention Area includes the marine environment south of the Antarctic convergence.
Proposed biological research or harvesting of marine living resources within the CAMLR Convention Area requires permits under the Antarctic Marine Living Resources Conservation Act 1981 (AMLRC Permit). Such activities south of 60ºS also require environmental approval under the ATEP Act.
Include all details of proposed activities in the EIA application (application form available in key documents and forms).
Australian Antarctic Program
All projects coordinated through the Australian Antarctic Program (AAP), including scientific research, operational and recreational activities, must apply for environmental approval by submitting an EIA (application form available in key documents and forms).
Please refer to the AAP Environmental Code of Conduct for more information about environmental conduct requirements for AAP expeditioners.
Australian Antarctic Program projects must also have:
- AAP Project approval
- A relevant Animal Ethics Committee approval (if required)
Tourism and non-government expeditions
Australian tourism and other non-government expeditions to the Antarctic Treaty Area (south of 60ºS) must apply for environmental approval by submitting an EIA (application form available in key documents and forms).
Tourism operators and non-government organisations must also submit additional information before and after each season of Antarctic expeditions, as part of their environmental authorisation:
- Advance notice: Due 1 September each year (available in key documents and forms)
- Post visit report: Due after completion of activity, no later than 30 days after expiry date of authorisation (available on ATS website Excel)
Please refer to tourism and non-governmental expeditions for more information.
Remotely Piloted Aircraft
Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) activities in Antarctica must be in accordance with specific AAD environmental policies.
- Include details of proposed RPA activities in the EIA application.
Please be aware of additional RPA requirements, in accordance with:
- Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)
- International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO)
Activities requiring additional permits
The EIA process will determine if additional permits are required to regulate specific proposed activities, in accordance with the following legislative requirements.
Antarctic Treaty (Environment Protection) Act 1980 (ATEP Act):
- An ATEP Permit is required for some activities, which are otherwise offences under the ATEP Act.
- A full list of offences and more information is available on the legislation page.
Antarctic Marine Living Resources Conservation Act 1981 (AMLRC Act):
- An AMLRC Permit is required to harvest living marine organisms or conduct research with respect to living marine organisms, which are otherwise offences under the AMLRC Act.
Antarctic Protected Areas
Access and activities within Antarctic Specially Protected Areas (ASPAs) or Antarctic Specially Managed Areas (ASMAs) must comply with relevant management plans.
- Maps and management plans are available on the Antarctic Protected Areas Database (Secretariat of the Antarctic Treaty website).
Any proposed activity within an ASPA also requires a permit, under the Antarctic Treaty (Environment Protection) Act 1980. Include all details of proposed activities in the EIA application.
Heard Island and McDonald Islands (HIMI)
All proposed activities require a permit to access the Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands (HIMI), regardless of nationality.
- Submit a permit application at least four months before intended departure.
- Refer to the Heard Island and McDonald Islands Marine Reserve Management Plan.
- Contact HIMI@aad.gov.au for more information.
Macquarie Island
Macquarie Island is part of the state of Tasmania, and environmental approval requirements are managed by the Tasmanian Government.
For any proposed activities in the Macquarie Island Nature Reserve and World Heritage Area, contact the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service (Macquarie.Island@parks.tas.gov.au).
Antarctic Treaty Information Exchange
The AAD provides information about Australian activities in Antarctica to the Antarctic Treaty Information Exchange, in accordance with Australia’s obligations under the Antarctic Treaty (Article III (1)a and Article VII (5)) and Environmental Protocol (and Annexes).
Information is provided in the agreed format, in accordance with ATCM Resolution 6 (2001), Appendix 4.
- Please refer to the Antarctic Treaty Information Exchange for more information (available from 2008/09 season onwards).
- For more information about Australian activities before 2008/09, please contact eia@aad.gov.au.