eals (1972);
Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources
(1980); a mineral resources agreement was signed in 1988 but was
subsequently rejected; in 1991 the Protocol on Environmental
Protection to the Antarctic Treaty was signed and awaits
ratification; this agreement provides for the protection of the
Antarctic environment through five specific annexes on marine
pollution, fauna, and flora, environmental impact assessments, waste
management, and protected areas; it also prohibits all activities
relating to mineral resources except scientific research; 21 parties
have ratified Protocol as of April 1996

Legal system: US law, including certain criminal offenses by or
against US nationals, such as murder, may apply to areas not under
jurisdiction of other countries. Some US laws directly apply to
Antarctica. For example, the Antarctic Conservation Act, 16 U.S.C.
section 2401 et seq., provides civil and criminal penalties for the
following activities, unless authorized by regulation of statute:
The taking of native mammals or birds; the introduction of
nonindigenous plants and animals; entry into specially protected or
scientific areas; the discharge or disposal of pollutants; and the
importation into the US of certain items from Antarctica. Violation
of the Antarctic Conservation Act carries penalties of up to $10,000
in fines and 1 year in prison. The Departments of Treasury,
Commerce, Transportation, and Interior share enforcement
responsibilities. Public Law 95-541, the US Antarctic Conservation
Act of 1978, requires expeditions from the US to Antarctica to
notify, in advance, the Office of Oceans and Polar Affairs, Room
5801, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520, which reports such
plans to other nations as required by the Antarctic Treaty. For more
information contact Permit Office, Office of Polar Programs,
National Science Foundation, Arlington, Virginia 22230 (703)
306-1031.

Economy
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Economic overview: No economic activity at present except for
fishing off the coast and small-scale tourism, both based abroad.

Transportation
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Ports: none; offshore anchorage

Airports: 50 landing facilities at different locations operated by
16 national governments party to the Treaty; one additional air
facility operated by commercial (nongovernmental) tourist
organization; helicopter pads