Loss of research and operational equipment in Antarctica: Balancing scientific advances with environmental impact

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119200
• Publication Date: 2023-10-11T23:49:45Z
• Authors: Kevin A. Hughes; Claire P. Boyle; Kate Morley-Hurst; Laura Gerrish; Steve R. Colwell; Peter Convey
• Keywords: Antarctic treaty

Antarctica has been subject to widespread, long-term and on-going human activity since the establishment of permanent research stations became common in 1950s. Equipment may become intentionally or inadvertently lost Antarctic marine terrestrial environments as a result scientific associated support activities, but this poorly quantified date. Here we report quantity nature equipment by UK's national operator Antarctica, British Survey (BAS). Over 15-year study period (2005-2019), 125 incidents loss were reported, with c. 23 tonnes which 18% mass was considered hazardous. The geographical distribution widespread across BAS operational footprint. However, impacts are low compared those station infrastructure operation. To reduce environmental impact overall, recommend that, where possible, better use is made existing capacity facilitate field research, thereby reducing need for construction new generation impacts. Furthermore, reporting on state environment, that programmes reinvigorate efforts comply Treaty System requirements actively record locations past activities make available details equipment. In wider context, analogous also encouraged other pristine areas including remote Earth extra-terrestrial bodies.