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 that 'inactivity or reduced activity within the Australian Antarctic Territory runs the risk of eroding Australia’s long term goals, interests and our capacity to influence the long standing stability of the region'.
The submission says 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.
'Australia is rapidly falling behind developing nations that are taking an increasingly high interest in the Australian Antarctic Territory, particularly China, Russia and India.'
The submission outlines nine fundamental requirements essential to Australia maintaining its claims in Antarctica and a leading role in the Antarctic Treaty System, including adequate funding for research, reliable and increased access, and improved capabilities for data collection.
Antarctica is a unique research environment that cannot be replicated elsewhere and is particularly important for research in a diverse range of fields such as oceanography, atmospheric and Earth sciences, fisheries, biodiversity and conservation, geology, medicine and astronomy.
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-and-publications
The Deputy Chair for the National Committee for Antarctic Research, Dr Will Howard is available for comment: 0437 662 656
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