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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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US, Others to Curb Antarctic Tourism

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(Newser) – Nations led by the US have pledged to check the quickly growing Antarctica tourism industry, the BBC reports. Nearly 30 nations signed a treaty to bar ships carrying more than 500 passengers from landing on the continent and to limit the number of people from a ship on shore to 100 at a time. The move is a response to concerns about safety and the environment.

Increased tourism has led to an uptick in accidents and fears about the fragile habitat vital to penguins, seals, and whales. Just 6,700 people visited Antarctica in 1992-93, but 45,000 went south last season, when two cruise ships ran aground and multiple incidents carrying the risk of contamination were documented. The countries also agreed to new safety regulations and increased protection for the ecosystem.

A scene of melting icebergs is shown in Antarctica.
A scene of melting icebergs is shown in Antarctica.   (AP Photo)
Passengers of the Norwegian cruise ship MS Fram, ship seen behind left, are transported in a small boat to Chile's military base on King George island in the Antarctic.
Passengers of the Norwegian cruise ship MS Fram, ship seen behind left, are transported in a small boat to Chile's military base on King George island in the Antarctic.   (AP Photo)
The Canadian cruise ship Explorer lists after hitting submerged ice off of Antarctica.
The Canadian cruise ship Explorer lists after hitting submerged ice off of Antarctica.   (AP Photo)
The Bahaman-flagged Ocean Nova near the San Martin base in Antarctica. The cruise ship ran aground.
The Bahaman-flagged Ocean Nova near the San Martin base in Antarctica. The cruise ship ran aground.   (AP Photo)
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kokuaguy
Apr 19, 09 2:27 AM CDT
It's gratifying to see that this happened with little fanfare and apparently without major opposition from any interests. More and more such decisions about the future of the planet's environment must be made on the basis of the scientific principles alone. Proceeding in opposition to scientific consensus should be violation of international human rights law. Reply
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