US EditionTourism Surge Puts Antarctica’s Seafloor Ecosystems at Risk
- Underwater footage by Matthew Mulrennan revealed environmental damage in Antarctica's sea floor, showing "deep grooves" likely caused by anchor chains, according to the report in Frontiers in Conservation Science.
- An estimated 4,000 unique species live in the Antarctic waters, making ecological damage a significant concern.
- Research indicates a projected quadrupling of tourists to 452,000 by 2033-34 raises concerns about the impact on marine life, particularly the volcano sponge.
- Experts suggest improving regulations and data collection on anchoring to protect Antarctic ecosystems, emphasizing research on tourist activities in the region.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Tourism surge puts Antarctica’s seafloor ecosystems at risk
More people than ever are setting sail for Antarctica, but while tourism enables people to marvel at ice landscapes, penguins and seals above the surface, new research reveals a disturbing truth beneath the water. For the first time, scientists have captured underwater footage of anchor and chain damage on the Antarctic seafloor—revealing a hidden threat to one of the most remote and fragile ecosystems on the planet. “This is the first time the …
Anchors Away from Antarctica
As tourism and commercial activities around Antarctica have ramped up in the past decade, even these remote, frosty waters aren’t safe from the scars left by boats. Vessels of all sizes can harm these icy ecosystems by dumping sewage and spilling oil, introducing invasive species, and crushing animals with their anchors. For years, environmental advocates have called for stricter protections in and around Antarctica, including limiting anchoring…
For the first time, scientists have filmed the damage caused by boat anchors on the flora and fauna of the Antarctic seabed, they reveal in a study published this Monday, June 9, while new sea routes are opening up in this increasingly popular area of cruise ships.
The Antarctic enjoys growing popularity as a tourist destination. Cruise ships are heading for areas that have recently become ice-free - with consequences for the living beings on the seabed.
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