Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2013L01343:reg:16:p41
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2013L01343
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 16 (pt 41/51)
Character Range: 315569–318554

area as an ASMA, Cape Denison's unique 'sense of place' is protected, with Mawson's Huts and Boat Harbour as the focus of the visual catchment. Mawson's Huts themselves are provided with additional protection in ASPA No. 162.

Educational values
Cape Denison's wildlife and undisturbed artefacts, framed against the dramatic backdrop of the Antarctic Plateau, represent significant educational values. The Area's isolation and extreme weather provide visitors with a unique insight into the conditions endured by 'heroic age' researchers and explorers, and a chance to form a deeper appreciation of their achievements.

Environmental values
The paucity of relatively ice-free areas in the immediate region means that Cape Denison represents an important assemblage of life forms (Appendices A and C). The closest ice-free areas of similar or greater size to Cape Denison are approximately 20 km to the east of Cape Denison (from the centre of the ASMA), and approximately 60 km to the west. A haul-out site for Weddell, leopard and elephant seals, the Cape is also an important breeding area for Adélie penguins, Wilson's storm-petrels, snow petrels and south polar skuas.
Flora at Cape Denison is represented by 13 lichen species distributed on boulders and other moraines throughout the peninsula. These species are listed at Appendix A to the management plan for ASPA 162. No bryophytes are evident. The lichens' distribution on rocks, which are subject to different patterns of snow ablation, makes them vulnerable to trampling and other interference by visitors, however infrequent visitation may be.
Cape Denison has 13 small lakes. These are associated with glacial action, are a permanent feature, and are frozen over for most of the year. Since such lakes are also susceptible to physical, chemical and biological modification within their catchment boundaries, a catchment-based approach to the management of human activities is required.

Scientific values
Mawson, a geologist, planned his expedition in order to examine the theories about continental connection and the processes of glaciation and climate. He also sought to study the South Magnetic Pole and magnetic charting for navigational purposes; to conduct biological studies, including the identification of new species; and to establish a weather station.
Cape Denison provides opportunities to repeat Mawson's experiments and conduct further research into magnetism, meteorology, biology, and other sciences. For example, although Antarctic lakes are generally recognised as valuable due to their relatively simple natural ecosystems, the lakes at Cape Denison have neither been sampled nor their biota studied. There are also numerous non-marine algae present; however, no surveys have been undertaken. The records from Mawson's expedition provide a dataset against which the results of modern research may be compared, and the site's isolation lends it considerable value for future use as a reference site for