### §2401. Congressional findings and declaration of purpose

#### (a) Findings

The Congress finds that—

(1) for well over a quarter of a century, scientific investigation has been the principal activity of the Federal Government and United States nationals in Antarctica;

(2) more recently, interest of American tourists in Antarctica has increased;

(3) as the lead civilian agency in Antarctica, the National Science Foundation has long had responsibility for ensuring that United States scientific activities and tourism, and their supporting logistics operations, are conducted with an eye to preserving the unique values of the Antarctic region;

(4) the Antarctic Treaty and the Protocol establish a firm foundation for the conservation of Antarctic resources, for the continuation of international cooperation and the freedom of scientific investigation in Antarctica; and

(5) the Antarctic Treaty and the Protocol establish international mechanisms and create legal obligations necessary for the maintenance of Antarctica as a natural reserve devoted to peace and science.

#### (b) Purpose

The purpose of this chapter is to provide for the conservation and protection of the fauna and flora of Antarctica, and of the ecosystem upon which such fauna and flora depend, consistent with the Antarctic Treaty and the Protocol.

(Pub. L. 95–541, §2, Oct. 28, 1978, 92 Stat. 2048; Pub. L. 104–227, title I, §101, Oct. 2, 1996, 110 Stat. 3034.)

#### **Editorial Notes**

#### Amendments

1996—Subsec. (a)(1) to (3). Pub. L. 104–227, §101(a)(1), added pars. (1) to (3). Former pars. (1) and (2) redesignated (4) and (5), respectively.

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 104–227, §101(a)(1), (2), redesignated par. (1) as (4) and substituted "the Protocol establish a firm foundation for the conservation of Antarctic resources," for "the Agreed Measures for the Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora, adopted at the Third Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting, have established a firm foundation".

Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 104–227, §101(a)(1), (3), redesignated par. (2) as (5) and substituted "the Antarctic Treaty and the Protocol establish international mechanisms and create legal obligations necessary for the maintenance of Antarctica as a natural reserve devoted to peace and science." for "the study of Antarctic fauna and flora, their adaptation to their rigorous environment, and their interrelationships with that environment has special scientific importance for all mankind."

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–227, §101(b), substituted "Treaty and the Protocol" for "Treaty, the Agreed Measures for the Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora, and Recommendation VII–3 of the Eighth Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting".

#### **Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries**

#### Short Title of 1996 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–227, §1, Oct. 2, 1996, 110 Stat. 3034, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 2403a and 2413 of this title, amending this section, sections 2402 to 2405, and 2463 of this title, and sections 1901 to 1903, 1905, 1907, and 1908 of Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters, and repealing sections 2464 and 2466 of this title] may be cited as the 'Antarctic Science, Tourism, and Conservation Act of 1996'."

#### Short Title

Pub. L. 95–541, §1, Oct. 28, 1978, 92 Stat. 2048, provided: "That this Act [enacting this chapter, amending section 1971 of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse, and enacting a provision set out as a note under section 1971 of Title 22] may be cited as the 'Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978'."