What is extreme tourism?
\nPicture
\nProblems
\nThe environmental impact of an individual tourist is much greater than that of a
\nresearcher. Landing sites are chosen for a special feature, so they quickly
\nbecome honeypots. More than 99% of Antarctica is covered with ice, so little is
\nleft for tourist activity. Few visitors go on the ice.<\/p>\n
Tourists only spend a short time ashore, but the impacts do not always reflect this. They want to visit the most picturesque and wildlife-rich areas. The impact is uneven but in places too great. Animals, especially penguins and seals, are disturbed by
\nmore than a few people. Not used to humans, they do not like to be touched. If
\nthey leave as a result, they may abandon eggs and young.<\/p>\n
There have been accidents when ships have struck uncharted rocks or ice floes.
\nThe great majority of shipping in Antarctic waters is tourist-based. Oil spills
\nare becoming an increasing hazard for wildlife. Tourist ships must discharge all
\nwaste materials well away from the shore of Antarctica.
\nSolutions
\nAll tour operators are members of IAATO, which directs tourism to be safe and
\nenvironmentally friendly. Around 100 companies are involved. In line with the
\nAntarctic Treaty, tourism is an acceptable activity in Antarctica – it is the
\nscale that has to be controlled. Visitors are not allowed to visit Sites of
\nSpecial Scientific Interest (SSSIs) in order to conserve precious wildlife and
\nlandscapes. Bird Island on South Georgia is one example.<\/p>\n
Although tourist numbers have increased rapidly in Antarctica, protection remains a
\npriority. A permit must be gained for any activities on the continent. No ship
\ncarrying over 500 passengers can land in Antarctica. Never the less, there is
\nconcern that larger ships will eventually be allowed to land and that the volume
\nof tourists will be beyond sustainable limits.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"