Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016C01080:clause:1_2
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016C01080
Segment Type: clause
Provision Reference: sch 1 cl 2
Character Range: 30416–32792

2  Description
  An area of 0.33 km2 at Cape Bird was originally designated in Recommendations XIII‑8 (1985, SSSI No. 10, Caughley Beach) and XIII‑12 (1985, SPA No. 20, New College Valley) after proposals by New Zealand on the grounds that these areas contain some of the richest stands of mosses and associated microflora and fauna in the Ross Sea region of Antarctica. This is the only area on Ross Island where protection is specifically given to these 'cold' ground plants. SPA No. 20 was originally enclosed within SSSI No. 10 in order to provide more stringent access conditions within this part of the Area. SSSI No. 10 and SPA No. 20 have been merged in the current plan, and a Restricted Zone provides the more stringent access conditions within the former SPA. The boundaries of the Area have been revised in view of improved mapping and to follow more closely the ridges enclosing the catchment of New College Valley. Caughley Beach itself was adjacent to, but never a part of, the original Area, and for this reason the entire Area has been renamed as New College Valley, which was within both of the original sites.
  Mosses (bryophytes) are the most highly evolved terrestrial plant life in this region, restricted to small, localised areas of water‑flushed ground. In addition to rich moss cushions and carpets up to 20m2, a diverse range of algal species inhabit streams in the Area, and collembolans (Gomphiocephalus hodgsoni) and mites (Nanorchestes antarcticus and Stereotydeus mollis) are plentiful on water surfaces and underneath rocks. The absence of lichens makes the species assemblage in this Area unique on Ross Island.
  The proximity of the Cape Bird Hut (New Zealand) and the possibility of visits by tourists to Cape Bird mean that this vulnerable area could easily be damaged by human impact if not provided with adequate protection. Designation of this Area is designed to ensure examples of this habitat type are adequately protected from casual visitors and overuse from scientific investigations. The susceptibility of mosses to disturbance by trampling, sampling, pollution or alien introductions is such that the Area requires long‑term special protection. The ecosystem at this site is of exceptional scientific value for ecological investigations and the Restricted Zone is valuable as a reference site for future comparative studies.