Conservation management at Southern Ocean Islands: Towards the development of best-practice guidelines

Islands in the Southern Ocean are susceptible to several land-based threats, including invasion by human-introduced biota, disturbance of wildlife or sites, and various forms of pollution. In this biogeographical region there are 13 sub-Antarctic or cool temperate island groups without permanent inhabitants, which fall under the sovereignty of five countries and are subject to a variety of management practices aimed at addressing these threats. A review of these practices was undertaken, in order to highlight opportunities for developing consistent best-practice guidelines for management of these islands. Each of the island groups is of conservation importance and this is reflected by their protection status under national legislation and international agreements. All except the French-owned islands and Nightingale Island in the Tristan da Cunha group have formal management plans. Tourism is allowed at all island groups except the Prince Edward Islands and three of the five New Zealand groups, but the potential environmental impacts are mitigated by various restrictions, including the limitation of visitor access to certain zones and in some cases, to certain islands in a group. At all island groups, the importance of preventing introductions of alien (non-native) biota is recognized and at seven groups, successful eradications of alien species have been undertaken. However, the comprehensiveness of quarantine measures to prevent introductions varies considerably, a quarantine officer to oversee quarantine procedures prior to disembarkation is required at only a few islands, the cultivation of fresh fruit and vegetables is still allowed on some islands, and expedition vessels remain a potential source of marine introductions at most islands. At all islands, measures are in place to prevent or minimise human disturbance of wildlife, but these vary considerably. Similarly, there are differences in the extent of island infrastructures, although all management authorities address the issue of waste disposal and several have invested considerable time and effort in the removal of accumulated waste or obsolete structures. Limited use has been made of fuel-free power on the islands. The establishment of an international forum of managers and researchers would facilitate the exchange of information regarding best practices at these islands.