Fundamental to protecting the Antarctic environment are measures to prevent the inadvertent introduction of non-native species.  Introduced species and diseases could significantly damage Antarctic ecosystems.  Visitors can minimize the transport of non-sterile soil, insects, spores, seeds, eggs, and other propagules by carefully inspecting imported fresh foods and cleaning clothing, footwear, scientific equipment, cargo, and vehicles used in Antarctica.   Rats are one of the most widespread and invasive introduced species worldwide and are present at all departure points for Antarctica.  Special care must be taken to avoid their introduction to Antarctica and other rat-free areas in the region.  Where applicable, vessels must have valid Ship Sanitation Certificates.  Other recommended measures may include rat guards on mooring lines, deployment of bait stations, and regular ship inspections.

Other than registered assistance, dogs, no live animals should be intentionally carried on any vessel visiting Antarctica. Dogs are not permitted to land within the Antarctic Treaty area.

The Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP) and the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP) have produced biosecurity guidelines and a manual for supply chain managers, whereas the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) has produced guidelines for boat, clothing, and equipment decontamination appropriate for small-boat landing operations. Other Parties and Observers to ATCM/CEP have also significantly contributed and produced study material to disseminate information among the expedition members as well as tourists and those involved in other non-governmental activities.

Each Indian expedition member (National Expedition or Non-Governmental Expedition) must strictly follow the guidelines and take all necessary precautions to prevent the introduction of NNS into Antarctica, as the Indian Antarctic Act, 2022, and the Indian Antarctic Environmental Protection Rules,2023, have strict provisions for penalties and punishments on contraventions of provisions on biosecurity-related matters in Antarctica.

Expedition members (Logistics, Scientific personnel, Tourists) and visitors are requested to read the following information in the form of a manual, pamphlets, video, guidelines, and may click the link provided below to visit the external website on the prevention of introduction of Non-Native-Species (NNS) before packing the bag, instruments, food, and entering the Antarctic area.

Guideline, Manual, Video, Pamphlets, and other useful Information on NNS :

• Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP), Non-Native Species Manual (Revised, 2019)
• IAATO – Boot Clothing and Equipment Decontamination Guideline
• SCAR-COMNAP-Intercontinental Checklist for Supply Managers
• COMNAP – Checklist for Supply Chain Managers
• COMNAP-SCAR Checklist for Supply Chain Managers Poster
• ASOC - Know Before You Go – Pamphlet
• USAP-Do Not Pack a Pest brochure
• How to Clean Gears to Avoid the Introduction of NNS to Antarctica
• SCAR-Reducing non-native species introductions associated with fresh fruit and vegetables

(Hughes, K.A., et al. (2023). Terrestrial non-native species in Antarctica: introduction, impact and management response. Antarctic Environments Portal)

Can be accessed at : https://environments.aq/publications/terrestrial-non-native-species-in-antarctica-introduction-impact-and-management-response/

For any further information, don't hesitate to get in touch with us;
Director-NCPOR (director@ncpor.res.in ) with cc to  Anoop Kumar Tiwari (CEP Representative – India)  (anooptiwari@ncpor.res.in)