The impact of tourism on the Antarctic environment

Tourism is well established in the Antarctic. Its impact is at present limited; the number of tourists is small and unlikely to increase much in the near future. Most tourists come by sea. There are two types of cruise: natural history cruises, mostly in small vessels, and more traditional entertainment cruises in larger passenger ships. Small numbers of private expeditions, mostly in yachts, visit the Antarctic. Official guests of the direction or management of research stations may arrive by supply ship or by air. Some tours arrive by plane and stay only a short while. Tourism is unlikely to increase much in the near future because of its high cost, the risk of passenger dissatisfaction on account of bad weather, and the difficult financial situation of some countries. Impacts arising from tourist activities are discussed. At research stations, the impact is on the life and work at the station, but in the field there may be considerable impact on wildlife. The best answer lies in control and interpretation, particularly through tour guides. A possible problem arises with ships' crews, who may not have been as carefully briefed as the passengers. Tourism generates in visitors a lasting interest in the Antarctic, which strengthens public opinion towards conservation.