► Description: |
The current hiatus in the establishment
of a network of marine protected areas
(MPAs) in the Antarctic means that other
routes to conservation are required. The
protection of overseas territories in the
Antarctic and sub-Antarctic represents one
way to advance the initiation of such a
network. This review of the physical and
biological features of the United Kingdom
(U.K.) overseas territories of South
Georgia and South Sandwich Islands (SGSSI)
is undertaken to estimate the importance
of the islands in terms of marine
conservation in the Southern Ocean and
globally. The economy and management of
SGSSI are also analysed, and the question
of whether the islands already have
sufficient protection to constitute part
of an Antarctic network of MPAs is
assessed. The SGSSI comprise unique
geological and physical features, a
diverse marine biota, including a
significant proportion of endemic species
and globally important breeding
populations of marine predators.
Regardless of past exploitation of biotic
resources, such as seals, whales and
finfish, SGSSI would make a significant
contribution to biological diversity in an
Antarctic network of MPAs. At present,
conservation measures do not adequately
protect all of the biological features
that render the islands so important in
terms of conservation at a regional and
global level. However, a general lack of
data on Antarctic marine ecosystems
(particularly needed for SGSSSI) makes it
difficult to assess this fully. One
barrier to achieving more complete
protection is the continuing emphasis on
fishing effort in these waters by U.K.
government. Other non-U.K. Antarctic
overseas territories of conservation
importance are also compromised as MPAs
because of the exploitation of fisheries
resources in their waters. The possible
non-use values of SGSSI as well as the
importance of ecosystem services that are
indirectly used by people are outlined in
this review. Technology is improving the
potential for management of remote MPAs,
particularly in the context of incursion
by illegal fishing activities and use of
satellite surveillance for enforcement of
fisheries and conservation regulations.
The conflict between commercial
exploitation and conservation of Antarctic
marine living resources is explored.
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