Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016C01080:clause:1_2:p2
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016C01080
Segment Type: clause
Provision Reference: sch 1 cl 2 (pt 2/4)
Character Range: 121346–124350

at approximately the mid‑point in a north‑south latitudinal gradient extending along Victoria Land is complementary to other sites protected for their important terrestrial ecological values, such as Cape Hallett (ASPA No. 106) and Botany Bay, Cape Geology (ASPA No. 154), which are about 300 km to the north and south respectively. This geographical position is recognised as important in a continent‑wide ecological research network (eg the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research 'RiSCC' programme). In addition, the lakes are among the best in northern Victoria Land for studies of biogeochemical processes with short‑ and long‑term variations. Together with the unique properties of the permafrost active layer, which is unusually thick in this location, these features are considered particularly useful as sensitive indicators of ecological change in response to levels of UV radiation and in shifting climate.
  A colony of approximately 2 000 pairs of Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) has been a focus of ongoing research since 1994–95, together with a colony of approximately 120 pairs of South Polar skuas (Catharacta maccormicki). The Edmonson Point Adélie penguin colony is included in the ecosystem monitoring network of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). The site is considered a good example of this species assemblage, which is representative of those found elsewhere. It is unusual, however, for the diverse range of breeding habitat available for South Polar skuas, and also because of the unusually high skua to penguin ratio (1:20). The geographical position, the size of the colonies, the terrain and habitat features of the site, the natural protection given by the summer fast ice extension and the distance from Mario Zucchelli Station at Terra Nova Bay (which isolates the colony from research station disturbance but allows for logistic support) make Edmonson Point particularly suitable for the research being undertaken on these birds. The research contributes to the CCAMLR Ecosystem Monitoring Programme (CEMP), focusing on population monitoring, reproductive success, feeding and foraging strategies, migration, and behaviour. This research is important to broader studies of how natural and human‑induced variations in the Antarctic ecosystem may affect the breeding success of Adélie penguins, and to understand the potential impact of harvesting of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba).
  The near‑shore marine environment is a good and representative example of the sea‑ice habitat used by breeding Weddell seals to give birth and wean pups early in the summer season. Only one other ASPA in the Ross Sea region has been designated to protect Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddelli) (ASPA No. 137, north‑west White Island, McMurdo Sound), but that site was designated because the small breeding group of seals in that locality is highly unusual; in contrast, inclusion here is as a representative example similar to