The Australian Academy of Science has warned that a declining scientific effort is weakening Australia’s claim to Antarctic territory and its strategic position in the region.
In a submission to the Australian government’s 20 Year Australian Antarctic Strategic Plan the Academy states our Antarctic research is 'chronically underinvested' and Australia’s current access arrangements to the territory and the sub-Antarctic islands are 'woefully inadequate'.
The number of science projects being supported by the Australian Antarctic Program has dropped from 142 in 1997 to just 62 this year.
Australia currently makes claim to 43% of the Antarctic continent based upon its geographic proximity and history of exploration, discovery and activity in Antarctica.
“As science is currency in Antarctica, [Australia’s declining research] impacts on the strength of Australia’s claim over the Australian Antarctic Territory and its impact as an influential Consultative Party to the Antarctic Treaty,” the submission says.
The submission was prepared in consultation with the Academy’s National Committees for Science.
Read the full submission at www.science.org.au/supporting-science/research/reports
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