T1 State of the Marine Environment in Antarctica - UNEP Regional Seas Reports and Studies No. 129
A1 United Nations Environment Programme, 
A1 Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 
A1 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
A2 Stromberg, Jarl-Ove
A2 Anderson, Leif
A2 Bjork, Gorman
A2 Bonner, W. Nigel
A2 Clark, Andrew C.
A2 Dick, Alan L.
A2 Ernst, Wolfgang
A2 Limbert, D. W. S.
A2 Peel, David A.
A2 Priddle, Julian
A2 Smith, R. I. L.
A2 Walton, D. W. H.
K1 marine ecosystem
K1 marine environment
K1 ocean
K1 Antarctica
K1 hydrocarbon
K1 marine pollution
K1 heavy metal
K1 marine mineral resource
K1 Antarctic
YR 1990
FD 1990
LK https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/28266
UL https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/28266
NO 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.
DS UN Environment Document Repository
RD Sep 17, 2026