Ensuring South Georgia’s Future

Text by Denise Landau (Friends of South Georgia Island) and iLCP Affiliate Justin Black (Visionary Wild).

We are often asked ‘what is your favorite trip or nature experience?’ Frequently, our response is South Georgia, because it inevitably leaves long-lasting memories. Teeming with wildlife, its beaches are full of King, Macaroni, Gentoo, and Chinstrap Penguins; Elephant and Fur Seals; and the increasing numbers of the large whale species, including Humpback, Blue, Fin, and Minke. In the air, millions of seabirds come and go from its vast feeding grounds.

South Georgia’s relatively brief human history dates from its rediscovery by Captain James Cook in 1775, followed by British and American sealers in the late 1770s, and the advent of the whaling era beginning in 1904 and ending in 1966. The epic failure and survival story of Ernest Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Antarctic expedition from 1914-1917 continues to excite those who seek real adventure stories. This iconic tale from the heroic age of exploration is a prime example of true leadership and tough decision-making in the most challenging of scenarios. It is no wonder that Shackleton’s adventures remain among the most talked about expeditions in history. He passed away in 1922, and organizations like Friends of South Georgia Island (FOSGI) and South Georgia Heritage Trust (SGHT) are working toward the renovation of the Manager’s Villa at the Stromness Whaling Station, an integral part of this story. 

November of 2020 once again put South Georgia on the international stage. A gigantic piece of the Larsen Ice Shelf in Antarctica (A68a), which had actually broken off in 2017 and was originally about 6,000 sq. km or 2,300 sq. miles, was finally on the move. It started drifting toward South Georgia and breaking into pieces along the way. The Weddell Sea currents – the same that brought Shackleton’s crew from deep within the Antarctic icepack to Elephant Island and on to South Georgia – carried A68a along the same route. The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) Vessel RRS James Cook, carrying two submersible robotic gliders and state-of-the-art scientific equipment, was engaged to follow the ice on its journey toward South Georgia. BAS has been monitoring the volume of ancient ice entering the cold Antarctic water column and the consequences of its melting into the whole of the marine ecosystem – penguins, seabirds, whales, seals, fish, and invertebrates. 

Tabular icebergs have been flowing from the Weddell Sea toward South Georgia for millennia, a reminder of the powerful ocean currents, winds, and waves that numerous ice tracks and expeditions have endured. The current public audience became alarmed that the largest drifting ice shelf, A68a, could block feeding access for wildlife. Fortunately, it broke up along the shallow seabed surrounding the islands before it could block access for wildlife to feed.

Human presence over more than 200 years brought in rats on ships, threatening bird colonies and the near extinction of seals and whales. Through the global efforts of scientists, charities, and government we have been able to preserve the marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Seals and whales have returned to South Georgia. The Habitat Rodent Eradication project that took place between 2011 and 2018 saved numerous species from possible extinction. Visitors on tourist ships and photographers have been documenting changes in South Georgia, contributing to the success of these projects. 

Around the world, the link between tourism and protected areas is critical (see Linking Tourism and Conservation, ltandc.org). Tourism is currently well-coordinated by the Government of South Georgia and the tour companies that are members of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (iaato.org). One visiting ship at a time, landing restrictions, and site guidelines work well in managing tourist movements and limiting impacts.

Resource exploitation was prominent for centuries until the beginning of tourism in South Georgia when it became clear that visitors were intent on experiencing the monumental amount of wildlife and largely pristine mountain landscapes on the island. Standing on a beach with hundreds of thousands of King Penguins is one of the most incredible experiences anyone could have in their lifetime. In the future, partnerships between with the Government of South Georgia, conservation groups, and the tourism and fisheries industries will need to work closely together to assure appropriate activity levels. There are both benefits and risks being considered with such efforts in South Georgia.

Between 2012 and 2014, the United Kingdom increased the size of its marine protected area, extending the maritime zone around South Georgia out 200 nautical miles. This enables the Government of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) to manage its fisheries. Currently, selling fishing licenses allows GSGSSI to pay for its employees and the fisheries patrol boat to assure there is no illegal and unregulated fishing in the region. The marine stewardship certification program (Marine Sustainable Certified fishery) also contributes financially toward its competent management. Is this enough to protect the Southern Ocean ecosystem? What more can be done? Is the exclusion zone enough? Stakeholder input and communication will be critical to assure environmental protection based on evidence and sound science. 

The implementation of cutting-edge scientific equipment can help to measure water temperature changes, feeding patterns for wildlife, and the impacts of human presence. Through rodent and reindeer eradication projects, efforts to remove and prevent the introduction of invasive plants, and the no-hunting policy for seals and cetaceans, we have reversed extinction trends for the time being. The remains of the derelict whaling station could be considered a threat to terrestrial conservation in South Georgia, and further discussion should be had to consider cleaning up oil leakage, asbestos, and station remains. SGHT and FOSGI are working with government officials to evaluate proposals.

A