Data and monitoring

Data and monitoring are essential to understanding interactions in the Antarctic region, particularly the large-scale, long-term changes and impacts due to climate change.

The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) leads Australia’s scientific program in Antarctica, which is undertaken on behalf of the Australian Government by Australian and international researchers. The research program covers physical and life sciences in the atmospheric, terrestrial and marine domains, as well as human biology and medical research. It also includes long-term observational activities, such as a network of meteorological facilities; space weather monitoring; seismic, magnetic and geodetic networks; and hydrographic and bathymetric mapping.

The key areas of research include:

  • environmental protection and management – research and monitoring to improve management of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, including climate change impacts, fisheries management and environmental remediation
  • ice, ocean, atmosphere and Earth systems – understanding the impact of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean on Australia and the world, including high-latitude climate science, interpretation of past climate records to inform climate understanding, geophysical mapping, and atmosphere and weather studies
  • human presence and activities in Antarctica – including polar medicine and human biology, space and astronomy, social sciences (policy and law), and pollution monitoring.

The Australian Antarctic Strategic Plan, developed by the Australian Antarctic Science Council in 2019, directs research activities. The plan delivers key research outcomes outlined in the Australian Antarctic Strategy and 20 Year Action Plan.

Although the AAD leads Australia’s scientific program in Australia, other key government initiatives are also contributing to long-term sustained observations of the Southern Ocean – in particular, the Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS 2021).

Assessment Effectiveness of Antarctic management
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that management is effective, meaning that management measures maintain or improve the state of the environment, but pressures remain as significant factors that degrade environment values. The situation is improving.
No confidence

Management of the Australian Antarctic Territory and protected areas is generally effective in protecting environmental values.

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How was this assessment made
Assessment World Heritage of subantarctic islands and protected areas under the Antarctic Treaty
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that management is partially effective, meaning that management measures have limited impact on maintaining or improving the state of the environment. The situation is stable.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that management was partially effective, meaning that management measures had limited impact on maintaining or improving the state of the environment. The situation was stable.
2011
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that management was effective, meaning that management measures maintained or improved the state of the environment, but pressures remained as significant factors that degraded environment values. The situation was stable.

Management plans are in place and are reviewed regularly. Natural and cultural heritage values are being preserved.

Assessment Land use and management
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that management is effective, meaning that management measures maintain or improve the state of the environment, but pressures remain as significant factors that degrade environment values. The situation is improving.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that management was effective, meaning that management measures maintained or improved the state of the environment, but pressures remained as significant factors that degraded environment values. The situation was improving.
2011
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that management was effective, meaning that management measures maintained or improved the state of the environment, but pressures remained as significant factors that degraded environment values. The situation was improving.

Australia’s Antarctic environmental management policy for the Australian Antarctic Territory and its external territories in the subantarctic is consistent with Australia’s obligations under the Antarctic Treaty.