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Antarctica - Coggle Diagram
Antarctica
Threats to Antarctica
Whaling
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whale pop. decreased -90% in 1960, due to mass exploitation, whalers turned to Southern ocean. whaling became commercially unviable.
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IWC started to protect whales which went against countries like Japan, Norway, Iceland who lobbied for more commercial whaling which was banned by the IWC.
In Japan, fishing replaced whaling
In 1960's Russian ships began exploiting Southern Ocean for many fish, concerns of amount of krill taken by Russians and Japanese.
Fishing / Krill
threat to Southern Ocean and Antarctica, high risk of overfishing of target species
By-catching direct destruction of marine habitats by ships and fishing gear. Long-term decline of krill biomass
Krill = processed for feed for fish farms + supplements e.g. krill oil . however very expensive £40 for 100 capsules.
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Ocean acidification
decline in pH ocean water: increase in atmospheric COv2 which creates carbonic acid - oceans are less alkaline
potential threat to marine environments - adaption more difficult. Oceans may become corrosive to unprotected shells ; losing these organisms will distrupt the food web
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Topography
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In west, mount Vinson (4,800m)
Issues with governance
Environmental protocol underpinning ATS (Madrid protocol) could be reviewed in 2048 and be modified, as could the MPA Ross Sea in 2052
Territorial claims : ATS haven't rejected any existing claims, but prohibits their assertion and establishment of new claims. USA and Russia also remain the 'right' to lay claim
MPA - to meet UNEP global biodiversity goals, attempts to establish additional MPAs are likely to make disagreements between ATS members who want to extend marine protection and countries like Russia and China who want greater access to fisheries
pro-conservation 'claimants' e.g. Australia are concerned that China/ Russia are trying to increase their claim to territory. in 2009, China established 3rd research station, proposed a code of conduct there, under discussion, parties concerned about potential limits on their own scientific research
Climate
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General
coldest, windiest, driest continent
average temp -50 degrees, lowest -86
average wind speeds 50 mph, can reach to 200 mph
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high winds, steep slopes prevent ice and snow from accumulating on parts of mountains
Sea temp warmer than on land, marine conditions support diverse ecosystem. Up welling of cooler water from ocean depths bring nutrients, support phytoplankton - provide food for krill (many species depend on for food)
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AT Stand for:
Antarctica used only for peaceful purposes, military activities are banned
Promotes international scientific cooperation including exchange of research plans/ personnel/ results
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IWC Stand for:
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IWC created a Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary - all commercial whaling is banned. Japan continues doing 'research whaling' there. Japan evaded the moratorium (ban on commercial whaling). They found a loophole in the IWC and kept 'researching' - method to monitor stocks so that the IWC can remove the Sanctuary. Japan's actions were monitored by NGOs and in 2014, the International Court of Justice rules Japan's whaling fleet had used 'scientific research' as a cover for commercial whaling
NGO's in Antarctica
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ASOC
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Pursue their own individual work - only NGO that dedicates all its time to Antarctica and Southern Ocean
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