Scott Base scientists lead way in conservation

New Zealand's work on environmental issues in Antarctica ranges from the biggest global concerns of climate change and ozone depletion to the problems of the smallest room - a non-polluting sewage treatment plant at Scott Base.

"There's some outstanding science being done in Antarctica, and New Zealand is now being recognised as a world leader in the environmental stewardship area," said Antarctica New Zealand chief executive Lou Sanson.

"There is also a big emphasis on climatic change and processes in our research programmes, and really understanding Antarctica's role in global systems.

"It looks as if it drives a lot of the weather systems of the world."

Antarctica New Zealand's annual report, which has just been released, shows that global environmental pressures such as climate change and ozone depletion are now having an effect on the region.

But despite nearly 50 years of research effort, scientists are still confronted with fundamental gaps in their knowledge of the Ross Sea region, where New Zealand operates.

"There is still much that is unknown ... of the important role the Antarctic and the Southern Ocean play in global systems," says outgoing chief executive Gillian Wratt in the report.

The report says environmental pressures also include small-scale tourism, exploratory fishing, scientific whaling and the operation of national science programmes.

Scientific activities in Antarctica and their supporting infrastructure account for the biggest range and severity of impact on the frozen continent's environment.

The studies are considered small by global standards.

The report says one of the key challenges facing Antarctica New Zealand is a lack of any agreed process for monitoring and reporting on the state of the environment in the future.

Mr Sanson, a former Southland conservator of the Conservation Department who is taking over from Ms Wratt, said the institute - which helps scientists put together their funding for work in Antarctica, as well as running Scott Base - had increased its focus on environmental issues.

This focus had resulted in the construction of a Scott Base sewage treatment plant.

The report says Antarctica New Zealand backed 34 science projects last season, ranging from sea ice formation research to studies on human expectations and perceptions of their experiences in the Antarctic environment.

Scientists came from four Crown research institutes and seven universities in New Zealand.

One of the biggest projects is a drilling study called Andrill, which is investigating global environmental change.

"There will be a more comprehensive understanding of the impacts of predicted future climate warming - both in Antarctica and globally," the report says.

New Zealand Hercules aircraft made 16 flights between Christchurch and McMurdo Sound on Ross Island last season as part of the overall $6.9 million cost of running the Antarctica New Zealand organisation.

- NZPA

Further reading
nzherald.co.nz/environment