This Guidance for Visitors to the Antarctic is intended to ensure that all visitors are aware of, and are therefore able to comply with, the Treaty and the Protocol. Visitors are, of course, bound by national laws and regulations applicable to activities in the Antarctic. Protect Antarctic Wildlife Taking or 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 house plants. A variety of areas in the Antarctic have been afforded special protection because of their particular ecological, scientific, historic or other values.