Antarctic Peninsula

Protect Antarctic wildlife

• Harmful interference with Antarctic wildlife is prohibited except in accordance with a permit issued by a national authority.
• Do not use aircraft, vessels, small boats, or other means of transport in ways that disturb wildlife, either at sea or on land.
• Do not feed, touch, or handle birds or seals, or approach or photograph them in ways that cause them to alter their behavior. Special care is needed when animals are breeding or molting.
• Do not damage plants, for example by walking, driving, or landing on extensive moss beds or lichen-covered scree slopes.
• Do not use guns or explosives. Keep noise to the minimum to avoid frightening wildlife.
• Do not bring non-native plants or animals into the Antarctic such as live poultry, pet dogs and cats or houseplants.

Respect protected areas

• A variety of areas in the Antarctic have been afforded special protection because of their particular ecological, scientific, historic or other values. Entry into certain areas may be prohibited except in accordance with a permit issued by an appropriate national authority. Activities in and near designated Historic Sites and Monuments and certain other areas may be subject to special restrictions.
• Know the locations of areas that have been afforded special protection and any restrictions regarding entry and activities that can be carried out in and near them.
• Observe applicable restrictions.
• Do not damage, remove, or destroy Historic Sites or Monuments or any artefacts associated with them.

Respect scientific research

• Do not interfere with scientific research, facilities or equipment.
• Obtain permission before visiting Antarctic science and support facilities; reconfirm arrangements 24-72 hours before arrival; and comply with the rules regarding such visits.
• Do not interfere with, or remove, scientific equipment or marker posts, and do not disturb experimental study sites, field camps or supplies.

Keep Antarctica pristine

• Antarctica remains relatively pristine, the largest wilderness area on Earth. It has not yet been subjected to large-scale human perturbations. Please keep it that way.
• Do not dispose of litter or garbage on land. Open burning is prohibited.
• Do not disturb or pollute lakes or streams. Any materials discarded at sea must be disposed of properly.
• Do not paint or engrave names or graffiti on rocks or buildings.
• Do not collect or take away biological or geological specimens or man-made artifacts as a souvenir, including rocks, bones, eggs, fossils, and parts or contents of buildings.
• Do not deface or vandalize buildings, whether occupied, abandoned, or unoccupied, or emergency refuges.

Be safe

• Be prepared for severe and changeable weather and ensure that your equipment and clothing meet Antarctic standards. Remember that the Antarctic environment is inhospitable, unpredictable, and potentially dangerous.
• Know your capabilities, the dangers posed by the Antarctic environment, and act accordingly. Plan activities with safety in mind at all times.
• Keep a safe distance from all wildlife, both on land and at sea.
• Take note of, and act on, the advice and instructions from your leaders; do not stray from your group.
• Do not walk onto glaciers or large snowfields without the proper equipment and experience; there is a real danger of falling into hidden crevasses.
• Do not expect a rescue service. Self-sufficiency is increased and risks reduced by sound planning, quality equipment, and trained personnel.
• Do not enter emergency refuges except in emergencies. If you use equipment or food from a refuge, inform the nearest research station or national authority once the emergency is over.
• Respect any smoking restrictions, particularly around buildings, and take great care to safeguard against the danger of fire. This is a real hazard in the dry environment of Antarctica.

2026-27 avian influenza protocols

Since 2021, the increasing intensity of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 outbreaks has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of seabirds worldwide. Marine mammals, including seals and sea lions, have also been affected. On February 25, 2024, the first cases of avian influenza were confirmed in the Antarctic Treaty Area. Since then, HPAI has been detected in multiple locations on the Antarctic Peninsula. The Antarctic community, from Antarctic Treaty parties to scientists, National Antarctic Programs, and the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), is concerned about the effect of avian influenza in Antarctica, the profound impact its spread could have on the local wildlife, and the risk it could pose to humans. IAATO members are committed to the robust procedures in place to protect Antarctica from pathogens and non-native species. With the confirmation of avian influenza in the region, we continue to maintain heightened vigilance regarding operations this season. Here is how you can help prevent avian influenza from being introduced and spread.

Before you go

• Before you leave home, ensure that anything that may come into contact with the Antarctic environment, including clothing and equipment, is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
• Use IAATO's Don't Pack a Pest guidance to assist you.

In Antarctica · visiting wildlife

• Existing protocols, including daily biosecurity procedures, are crucial to protecting Antarctica. In addition, it is required that you:
• Maintain a distance of at least 5 meters (15 feet) from wildlife at all times.
• Do not sit, kneel, crouch, or lay down in wildlife areas.
• Do not place any equipment on the ground or snow in wildlife areas. Your operator will keep you informed, and if in doubt, please ask your guides for direction.

Don't pack a pest · non-native species in Antarctica

Non-native species are those species that do not naturally occur in an area and have been introduced either intentionally or unintentionally. A wide range of non-native species now occur in Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands. These introduced species include microbes, algae, fungi, plants, invertebrates, fish, birds and mammals.

Despite known introductions of non-native species, Antarctica remains a relatively pristine environment. Human activity has the potential to act as a vector for non-native species. Across the continent, science programs and tour operators are working to minimize the risk of humans being a vector for transporting non-native species into and within the Antarctic.

Types of non-native species that have already arrived in Antarctica: seeds, grasses, algae, fruit flies, worms, spiders, midges, microorganisms.

Lessons learned for Antarctica from the sub-Antarctic: human activities in the sub-Antarctic islands have contributed to a large number of introductions of non-native species both intentional (rabbits and reindeer for food) and unintentional (mice, rats, worms and grasses). Approximately 200 non-native species exist on the islands. These species have come to survive in, and in some cases dominate, terrestrial, freshwater and marine habitats, often causing alterations to the ecosystems through extinction or decreased abundance of native species.

Before you arrive · once you have arrived

• Clean and examine clothes thoroughly: examine all clothing, including pockets, seams, Velcro fasteners, and boot soles for dirt and organic material. A thorough cleaning is recommended.
• Pay special attention to boots and soles, trouser hems and turn-ups, pockets, Velcro and fleece, backpacks, outdoor equipment and camera bags, walking sticks and tripods.
• Pack clean gear: make sure your gear and outdoor equipment are freshly cleaned and free of dirt and organic material.
• Follow the boot and clothing decontamination procedures on your expedition. This is especially important if you are moving between distinct geographic regions, for example between a sub-Antarctic Island and the Antarctic Peninsula, but also if moving between distinct landings or field sites.
• Watch your step. Be careful when walking in areas that contain organic matter as this can be easily transported to other areas. If you do notice organic matter on boots, clothing or gear, make sure to clean it off before leaving a site and use the disinfectant wash between visits.
• Clean your gear regularly. This includes boots, equipment, day packs and camera bags, trouser hems and turn-ups, fleece clothing, Velcro fasteners for outer clothing.
• Report a pest. Tell your guides if you think you have found a non-native species.
• Spread the word. Share this information with others. We all contribute to the health of Antarctica.