INVESTIGADORES
MATALONI Maria Gabriela
congresos y reuniones científicas
Título:
Do current tourism regulations avoid introduction of non-native species to Antarctica?
Autor/es:
MATALONI, G.
Lugar:
Lisboa
Reunión:
Conferencia; 2023 SCAR SC_HASS BIENNIAL CONFERENCE; 2023
Institución organizadora:
Universidade Lusofona de Humanidades e Tecnologia
Resumen:
Theoretical background / Goals / Motivation: Introduction of non-native species to Antarctica is a growing concern for the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP), as they can dramatically change structure and functioning of Antarctic ecosystems. While increasing human presence facilitates transport to and between Antarctic regions, climate change fosters survival and spreading of potentially invasive species (Newman et al. 2014), amongst which microorganisms have been largely overlooked (Hughes et al. 2015). Deception Island, an active volcano, is a widely recognized hotspot for such potential introductions.Methods: Cross-referencing of different sources (academic journals, Antarctic Environments Portal, IAATO statistics, public online journals)Results: Deception Island is a Antarctic Specially Managed Area (ASMA) encompassing two specially protected areas (ASPAs) and two historic sites. Among the latter, Whalers Bay is one of the most visited places in Antarctica, with 7050 landings during post-pandemic season 2021-2022 (IAATO 2023). While ATCM39 addressed the need to preserve unique terrestrial geothermal environments, the Code of Conduct for Visitors of the ASMA Management Plan does not contemplate measures to avoid accidental introduction of microorganisms and genetic material. Research comparing soil environmental DNA from a site within ASPA 140 and Whalers Bay attibuted sequences of exotic green microalgae and flowering plants found in the latter to human activity (Carvalho-Silva et al. 2021).Implications / Conclusion: Expected escalation of tourism (Hannam 2023) will enhance the risk of non-native species invasions to unique, sensitive environments. While interdisciplinary, targeted research is clearly needed, cross-referencing of existing information can detect crucial demands for rethinking tourism operation.
