RT null T1 State of the marine environment in Antarctica A1 United Nations Environment Programme, A2 Stromberg, Jarl-Ove K1 environmental analysis K1 ecosystem management K1 sea level K1 environmental aspect YR 1990 FD 1990 LK https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/11770 UL https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/11770 NO This report assesses the state of the Antarctic marine environment using published scientific literature, grey literature, and data from research and monitoring programmes. It examines ocean circulation, sources and pathways of pollutants, and observed levels of hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons, heavy metals, radionuclides, and human-derived debris in water, sediments, and biota. The document describes the relative isolation of the Southern Ocean, the dominance of natural over contaminant sources, and the generally low concentrations of pollutants compared with other regions. It also reviews atmospheric transport mechanisms, local human activities, and potential risks from future exploitation of non-living marine resources, providing a regional scientific baseline for environmental assessment. DS UN Environment Document Repository RD Sep 17, 2026