Limits Have Been Set for Antarctica Sailings

As reported last week, countries with interests in Antarctica have agreed to impose mandatory limits on tourism to the continent to protect its fragile environment.

During a two week conference on the 50 year-old Antarctic Treaty, 28 countries have endorsed the US proposal to limit the size of cruise ships that land passengers on Antarctica. The number of people allowed ashore at any one time is also limited. The rules are voluntary at present but will become enforceable once each of the countries formally ratifies the agreement. Ships with more than 500 passengers cannot land in Antarctica and no more than 100 passengers can go ashore at one time.

There was no opposition to the terms of the agreement by any of the participating countries.