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Alien Species and Antarctica’s Ecosystem
Context:
Researchers have warned that objects drifting ashore in Antarctica could bring non-native plant and animal species. If these species manage to survive the cold, they could disrupt the native ecosystems.
More on News:
- The Antarctic Peninsula is the region most at risk of non-native species introductions, which can occur through natural oceanic dispersal, ship traffic, and rapid warming.
- Its extensive connections with sub-Antarctic and temperate areas, combined with a rise in human-made marine rafting vectors, pose a growing threat to Antarctic marine ecosystems.
- This risk is particularly alarming as future environmental changes are expected to create more favourable conditions for non-native species in Antarctica.
Main Threats to Antarctica:
- Climate Change: Climate change is the greatest long-term threat to Antarctica. Rising temperatures are causing ice shelves to collapse, glaciers to retreat, and sea ice to diminish. This is leading to habitat loss for many species like penguins. Ocean acidification due to increased carbon dioxide absorption is also harming marine life.
- Overfishing and Illegal Fishing: Overfishing, both legal and illegal, is a major threat to Antarctic marine life. Fishing for krill, a keystone species in the Antarctic food chain, is of particular concern as krill populations appear to be declining due to warming waters. Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing also threatens fish stocks and seabirds.
- Tourism: Tourism to Antarctica has increased significantly in recent years, with nearly 80,000 visitors in the 2019-2020 season. While most tour operators follow guidelines to minimise impacts, tourism can still disturb wildlife, trample fragile vegetation, and increase pollution from ship traffic.
- Invasive Species: Non-native species like rats, mice and plants are being introduced to Antarctica, often via ships and clothing. As the climate warms, more invasive species may be able to establish themselves. Invasive species pose a major threat to Antarctica’s native wildlife which evolved in isolation.
- Pollution: Pollution from chemicals, oil spills, plastics, and marine debris is accumulating in the Antarctic environment. Persistent organic pollutants and microplastics have been detected in Antarctic wildlife. Discarded fishing gear also causes harm to seabirds, fish and marine mammals.
India has taken significant legislative steps to protect Antarctica through the Indian Antarctic Act, 2022. This Act aims to establish a comprehensive legal framework for regulating activities in Antarctica and ensuring the protection of its environment. 
Efforts to Protect Antarctica from Alien Species:
- Antarctic Treaty System: The Antarctic Treaty, established in 1961, and its subsequent Protocol on Environmental Protection (1991) provide a legal framework for the comprehensive protection of the Antarctic environment.
- The Protocol specifically prohibits the introduction of non-native species and establishes strict guidelines for activities in the region.
- Biosecurity Measures:
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- Prohibition of Certain Introductions: The Protocol prohibits the introduction of domestic stock, sled dogs, and non-sterile soil.
- Non-Native Species Manual: The Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP) has published a Non-Native Species Manual, which serves as a guideline for managing and preventing the introduction of alien species.
- Monitoring and Surveillance:
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- Data Collection and Inventories: Initiatives like the Global Register of Introduced and Invasive Species (GRIIS) aim to provide comprehensive inventories that help identify and track non-native species, assess their impacts, and inform management strategies.
- Research and Assessment: Ongoing scientific research focuses on understanding the distribution, impact, and management of alien species in Antarctica.
- Management Plans for Southern Ocean Islands: While Antarctica itself is managed under the Antarctic Treaty System, the surrounding Southern Ocean Islands are subject to different national jurisdictions.
- Public Awareness and Education: Efforts are being made to raise awareness about the risks posed by alien species, particularly among researchers and tourists.
