Summary
This paper places the sub-Antarctic region in its international context by contrasting the sub-Antarctic’s geographical qualities with the region’s international legal and political characteristics. It shows that the international aspects of the legal regime applying in the sub-Antarctic are less developed than in the Antarctic. An overview is provided of some of the most relevant international instruments and arrangements that apply. This includes an analysis of some of the matters that are regulated and some that are not regulated. It is concluded that there is no requirement for a dedicated international regime in the sub-Antarctic, but there is substantial scope for further internationally cooperative arrangements to address the immediate issues facing the sub-Antarctic region.