Antarctica, the last untouched frontier, is facing a new challenge. The rise in cruise tourism is leaving a significant impact beneath its icy waters. Recent research highlights the damage caused by cruise ship anchors to the delicate marine life in this region.
The Impact of Cruise Anchors
A groundbreaking study has shed light on the ecological damage caused by cruise ships in Antarctica. Scientists from Memorial University of Newfoundland and New Zealand’s National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research have documented this damage using underwater 4K footage. They observed crushed sponges and scarred sea beds at popular cruise landing sites. In contrast, nearby untouched areas showed thriving ecosystems.
Why Anchors Are a Problem
Even small, polar-class cruise ships must anchor offshore due to limited infrastructure. Although IAATO rules restrict landings to ships with fewer than 500 guests, their anchors still harm the vulnerable coastal zones. These areas are home to some of the world’s oldest and slowest-growing species, like giant volcano sponges.
Yankee Harbour: A Case Study
Yankee Harbour in the South Shetland Islands is a prime example of the damage. This site, popular with expedition cruises, saw significant seabed damage from just eight ship visits in 2023. The cold-water ecosystem here is slow to recover, with potential recovery times exceeding a century.
The Surge in Cruise Tourism
Cruise tourism to Antarctica is booming. Over 70,000 passengers visited during the 2022–2023 season. This number soared to 123,000 in 2023–2024 and is expected to rise further. While expedition vessels dominate, larger ships are planning scenic-only sailings in the coming years.
Balancing Tourism and Conservation
IAATO limits landings to 100 people at a time for ships carrying 500 or fewer passengers. This measure aims to reduce the human footprint onshore. However, all ships still rely on anchors or dynamic positioning systems to stay stationary.
Recommendations for Sustainable Tourism
The researchers do not advocate for a complete halt to Antarctic tourism. Instead, they suggest new policies and technologies to minimise harm. Key recommendations include establishing permanent mooring zones in high-traffic areas and banning anchoring in particularly sensitive regions.
The Future of Antarctic Cruises
As cruise tourism continues to grow, it’s crucial to find a balance between exploration and conservation. By adopting sustainable practices, we can protect Antarctica’s unique marine life for future generations.
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