'This was an important decision that reflects our members’ ongoing commitment to sustainable Antarctic tourism,' said Ponant's Terry Shaller, chair of IAATO’s Executive Committee. 'It’s about combining our knowledge and resources with SCAR’s scientific expertise to develop an effective long-term management plan that will conserve the Antarctic environment while enabling sustainable use.'
'The partnership is an important step further towards the adoption of best practices for the region,' added Steven Chown of Monash University, president of SCAR. 'Joint work among stakeholders lies at the very foundation of good conservation planning.'
The agreement was made last week in Edinburgh at IAATO’s annual meeting. More than 130 people attended, representing member companies and invited experts from governments, environmental and scientific organizations and charitable trusts, all with a vested interest in Antarctica’s future.
Other meeting highlights included former provisional operator members Plantours Kreuzfahrten and DAP voted in as operators. Noble Caledonia, Albatros Travel, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, IceTrek Expeditions and Icebird Expeditions joined as provisional operators. Salén Ship Management and YC Group were voted in as associate members. IAATO currently has 122 members.
Executive Committee members voted to appoint Shaller, vp product development at Ponant, as the new chair, succeeding Abercrombie & Kent's Bob Simpson. Simpson remains on the committee with Seabourn's Prash Karnik, Oceanwide Expeditions' Mark Van der Hulst and One Ocean Expeditions' Andrew Prossin. Robyn Woodhead of White Desert and Rob McCallum of EYOS Expeditions were welcomed onto the Executive Committee for the first time.
Marlynda Elstgeest of Waterproof Expeditions and Skip Novak of Pelagic Expeditions stepped down and were thanked for their contributions over the last five years.
In other action, IAATO members voted to continue the ban on the recreational use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones) in the wildlife-rich coastal areas of Antarctica. The ban will be reviewed annually to allow for potential technological advances and further developments within the regulatory community.
In anticipation of future developments and advancing technology, members adopted new guidelines for manned submersibles and remotely operated underwater vehicle activities. These complement IAATO’s current Underwater Activity Guidelines for activities such as diving and snorkeling.
In recognition of the expanding population and range of fur seals across the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic, members approved information for operators that enhances understanding of fur seal behavior and advises on minimizing disturbance to these animals.
Members tasked IAATO’s Climate Change Working Group with providing up-to-date information on the association’s carbon footprint.
Further, members voiced their commitment to research projects and collaborations that advance global understanding of Antarctica. This includes citizen science, research requiring help from Antarctic visitors with data collection.
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