State of the Marine Environment in Antarctica - UNEP Regional Seas Reports and Studies No. 129

This report presents a regional scientific assessment of the Antarctic marine environment prepared under the United Nations Environment Programme regional seas framework. It compiles and evaluates published scientific literature, monitoring results, and research programme data to describe ocean circulation, ecosystem characteristics, and the presence of contaminants. The document examines hydrocarbons, chlorinated organic compounds, heavy metals, radionuclides, and human debris, addressing their sources, transport pathways, environmental distribution, and levels in water, sediments, and living organisms. It also reviews atmospheric transport processes and considers the potential environmental implications of exploiting non-living marine resources. The assessment emphasizes data limitations, methodological challenges, and the need for coordinated baseline information for future evaluations.