Br.Ant.Territory : South Georgia 2009 - 20th Annual General IAATO Meeting, June 2009
Submitted by (Juanita Brock) 17.07.2009 (Article Archived on 06.08.2009)

Richard McKee of the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands says that yet again the number of vessels visiting South Georgia increased last season with a total of 70 cruise ship and 25 yachts visits carrying 7,800 passengers. This is a 120% increase in passenger numbers over the last 5 years.

South Georgia 2009

20^th Annual General IAATO Meeting, June 2009

By Richard McKee (SGSSI)

N/G Endeavour at Right Whale Bay with a Fur Seal Pup in the foreground

Photo © J. Brock (SARTMA)

Yet again the number of vessels visiting South Georgia increased last season with a total of 70 cruise ship and 25 yachts visits carrying 7,800 passengers.  This is a 120% increase in passenger numbers over the last 5 years.  However, following the full implementation of the revised South Georgia visitor management policy (restricting ships to those carrying 500 passengers or less), this trend is not expected to continue.  Some operators have also indicated that they do not intend to return next season.  Nevertheless, the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) is still expecting a good proportion of the Category 1 Expedition Cruise Ships, which have visited in recent years to return in the coming season.

VISITOR MONITORING

Last season the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) sponsored a pilot study to monitor tourism and visitor landings on South Georgia. This was undertaken by the Sub Antarctic Foundation for Ecosystems Research (SAFER) and the Tourism Group at Victoria University of Wellington (VUW), New Zealand.  The study included on-site observations of landings to assess the management of passengers ashore and their interactions with wildlife.  Data loggers were deployed to monitor passenger movements and questionnaires were used to assess passenger knowledge and awareness of issues such as wildlife protection measures and the importance of biosecurity protocols.

The timing of this study coincided well with the recent publication of the revised visitor management policy (which restricts non-IAATO commercial vessels to landings at Grytviken).  It is important now for GSGSSI to ensure that there is thorough stewardship of tourism management under the new policy and that standards and permit conditions are being maintained and observed throughout the industry as a whole.

The findings of this pilot study are still being assessed fully by GSGSSI.  (IAATO Members will receive a separate briefing document expanding on the key points arising from this initial study).  Subject to funding, GSGSSI may seek to take forward elements of this study in the coming seasons.  GSGSSI believes that IAATO involvement in any future monitoring project is essential if the Government’s objectives are to be achieved and maximum benefit derived by the industry.  When areas of South Georgia tourism operations are identified as requiring more attention, GSGSSI would expect IAATO Members to work with Government to address any improvements, which may be necessary.  GSGSSI recognises that IAATO members are all committed to maintaining high standards of practice and this forms the basis of the Government’s policy to exclusively support this organisation by only permitting IAATO commercial operators to land passengers at approved sites throughout South Georgia.

GSGSSI wishes to thank those operators who assisted last season, and those, which have already indicated a willingness to provide logistical support to SAFER and VUW for possible future work.  GSGSSI regards this work as a means of ensuring improved Government management of tourism operations, as well as it being an opportunity for the IAATO members to assess their own operations and demonstrate the high standards to which they operate.

Having just completed a pilot study the project is at an early stage.  Nevertheless, preliminary studies, (amounting to 86 man-hours of observation over 23 vessel landings), have already identified some areas of operations, which GSGSSI will be asking operators to give their full attention.  These are covered in more detail in the additional document, which IAATO Members will receive.  It is apparent though that different operators have different strengths and the effectiveness of passenger management regimes does vary between ships.  The key areas which the operators will need to focus on relate to staffing responsibilities ashore, compliance with minimum viewing distances and the importance of attention to detail when implementing biosecurity protocols in the course of Zodiac operations. 

It is likely that some form of on-site observations will be conducted in the coming seasons at various approved landing sites on South Georgia, though this will be subject to funding.  GSGSSI will not be publicising where and when this work will be undertaken, but we remain committed to liasing with the IAATO Executive and would strongly encourage IAATO involvement and representation on the ground in the course of any future monitoring work.

The strengths of visitor questionnaires are still being considered.  Though they have been identified as a means of assessing visitor awareness of codes of conduct ashore, the role of GSGSSI and, most importantly for GSGSSI, the importance of understanding why biosecurity measures are important and how they should be implemented.  GSGSSI would welcome the views of vessel operators regarding the possible use of questionnaires again in the coming seasons.

STROMNESS

Visitors are clearly seen beyond the boundary set up by the Government of South Georgia

Photo © J. Brock SARTMA

It has been brought to the attention of GSGSSI that in recent seasons, in an effort to avoid dense populations of fur seals at the designated Stromness landing site, some expedition staff have been landing passengers closer to the former station than permitted (inside marker cordons of the safety exclusion limit).  This is not an acceptable practice and this development is concerning for a number of reasons.  Not only is the safety of passengers and staff being potentially compromised, but the EL’s involved have taken it upon themselves to ignore very clear Government instructions.

GSGSSI appreciates that EL’s do not want to endanger their passengers by landing in the vicinity of fur seals.  However, if expedition staff ever find themselves in a similar situation then the visit permit conditions should not be disregarded in order to effect a landing.  In such circumstances the landing should be cancelled and a Zodiac cruise should be considered as an alternative option.   EL’s should not take matters into their own hands, but should instead raise their concerns directly with GSGSSI at the earliest opportunity.  If the Government is not aware of the expedition staff ‘s concerns then it is not possible to assess the situation and work with the industry to address and possibly resolve the issue.

In this instance GSGSSI has again sought advice our UK asbestos consultants, who were responsible for some of the asbestos site surveys at the Stromness station. 

In April GSGSSI undertook a landing site survey to measure distances on the ground from key landmarks on the shore to the closest group of station buildings. It was our intention to establish if there were any grounds for GSGSSI to re-examine the northern limit of the safety zone at Stromness.  The survey results have now been discussed with our advisors.   Taking into account the nature of the hazards faced by visitors landing at this specific location, GSGSSI is intends to reduce the distance from northern station buildings to the boundary limit markers on the shore.  This will place the boundary markers in the vicinity of the southern group of abandoned propellers, more than 30m south (closer to the whaling station) of the current boundary limit at the approved landing site.  There will, however, need to be a strict caveat in place that landings must not be undertaken at this site when the wind is blowing from the direction of the whaling station (south - Southwest).  In such circumstances, landings will have to take place either at the mouth of the river (200m north of the station) and beyond, or EL’s will have to revert to Zodiac cruising (observing a 200m-safety distance offshore). 

The conditions on the permits for the coming season and the information letter sent permit to holders will be revised to reflect these changes.

The key message to operators and staff is that if there are ever any areas of Government Policy which operators are struggling to meet or adhere to then it is very important that the matter is brought to GSGSSI’s attention.  Only then will it be possible for the issue to be examined and a possible solution considered.  As Stromness is one of only a few sites open to Category II ships, GSGSSI was particularly concerned about addressing this issue as soon as possible after it was brought to our attention.  Expedition Staff should not be taking matters into their own hands.  With a case such as this, the Government message is very clear.  If it is not possible to proceed with a landing in accordance with the terms and conditions of a visit permit, then the EL should not proceed, but should instead revert to Zodiac cruising.  This applies throughout South Georgia noting particularly the challenges faced during the peak period of fur seal breeding.

GSGSSI would like to thank all of the Expedition Staff who assisted with information about landing passengers at Stromness and particularly Lynn Woodworth for her extremely thorough appraisal of the situation and images of the site.

The issue of approaches being made to former whaling stations continues to cause GSGGSI serious concern.  Given the very serious health and safety risks involved for both staff and passengers it is essential that staff remain vigilant of passenger movements whilst ashore and if ever in any doubt about conditions, that they revert to zodiac cruising at a safe distance.

BIOSECURITY

Biosecurity remains a priority for GSGSSI.  The spread of Wavy Bittercress, (the most recently introduced invasive plant species), despite remedial action, has reinforced just how important it is that thorough biosecurity protocols are implemented and monitored.  Biosecurity must commence well before a ship’s arrival at South Georgia and continue throughout the visit between landing sites. 

The South Georgia Heritage Trust continues to progress with planning for a staged rat eradication programme, so it is now more important than ever that thorough biosecurity measures in place to address all potential invasive species and that these measures are as effective as they can possibly be.

Good progress has been made and GSGSSI wishes to thank all IAATO members for their efforts to date to educate passengers and implement the GSGSSI biosecurity measures and self-audit declarations. Nevertheless there are always improvements to be made and observations from last season have identified a number of areas, which we want Expedition Leaders and staff to focus on in the coming season.  (IAATO Members should also refer to the biosecurity points in the separate tourism monitoring document).

Competent supervision is essential when passengers complete their biosecurity checks and sign the self-audit declaration.  Staff must engage passengers on a one-to-one basis, to ensure that every visitor explicitly understands what they are signing and can confirm that they have completed the checks. 

There has also have been an occasional tendency for a few staff to think that the biosecurity self-audit checks do not apply to them.  This must not be seen as a “box ticking exercise” for Expedition Staff, particularly as they spend more time ashore than anyone else.  As routines become established there must be no complacency about the implementation of rigorous biosecurity protocols.

It is also important that EL’s ensure that the staff supervising biosecurity checks are competent in the task they are performing.  This is particularly important when ship’s crew are tasked to supervise checks such as the vacuuming of bags.  Once ashore the need to remain vigilant does not end and in particular staff need to ensure that all bags, including day packs and sacks used to store life jackets on the shore are kept securely closed and inspected before returning to the ship.

Looking to the future and possible habitat restoration programmes, the pressure is on to build on our efforts to date and enhance existing biosecurity protocols. Effective proactive measures are key to a successful biosecurity plan and from next season we would like vessel operators to advise their clients of the basic preliminary biosecurity checks they should make before they leave home to embark on their voyage.  This will take the form of a simple checklist, which will be sent to each operator along with the copies of the season’s permits.   (This document is also available for download from the Biosecurity section of the GSGSSI website www.sgisland.gs ).  This will hopefully serve to raise awareness significantly amongst visitors well in advance of their visit.

Another recent development has been the completion of the new Biosecurity Facility at King Edward Point, (which was funded in the main by the UK Overseas Territories Environmental Programme).  This will be used primarily to inspect inbound cargo in a secure environment, but it also has the capacity for the Government Officer to inspect visitors stores and equipment, for example from expedition parties.  Within the next year GSGSSI plans to adjust the Government manning levels at KEP in order to have two Government Officers in post simultaneously.  This will enable one officer to focus more closely on oversight of biosecurity issues and this should lead to an increase in biosecurity inspections of visitors, staff, Zodiacs and expedition equipment.

INFORMATION FOR VISIT PERMIT HOLDERS

Despite repeated requests, it is still apparent that not every vessel operator is ensuring that the information, which accompanies permits, reaches all of their Expedition Leaders before they embark their vessels.  This includes important additional information, beyond that contained in the current Information for Visitors to South Georgia booklet, which all EL’s and staff should refer to well in advance of their arrival. 

This season visit applicants will receive copies of their permits and a letter accompanying this which will provide important “Information for Visit Applicants and Permit Holders”.  It is essential that all EL’s receive and study this information well in advance of their visit.  Prior to receiving the original permits from the Government Officer at KEP, EL’s will be expected to be fully appraised of this information.

IAATO Members should all already be aware that the 2009 version of the Visit Application Form has been available online on the Government website since early March.  All applications for next season must use this document which has been revised to improve the Government Officers management of visits at KEP.  (Applications using older format will have to be resubmitted).

Members are strongly urged to refer to the Government website (www.sgisland.gs) at the start of each season to ensure that the documents they are referring to are the current versions.  This includes a new version of the Post Visit Report form (PVR) which has been revised to include data specifically covering bird strikes.

One final point to note regarding next season’s visit applications concerns the closed dates for Prion Island.  Applicants are reminded that the closed dates (20 November – 7 January) during the peak period of fur seal breeding are inclusive.  Therefore the site will not open in 2010 until 8 January.

BIRD STRIKES

Last season a ship in Stromness Bay reported a serious birdstrike.  In excess of 280 birds (prions and diving petrels) struck the vessel, of which there were at least 17 mortalities.  This follows a more serious incident several years ago when a strike involving many hundreds of birds took place on a cruise ship in the south of the Island.

In this instance, the reasons for the bird strike were very clearly a combination of excessive lighting and poor visibility.  This incident could and should have been prevented.  Whilst awareness amongst the Expedition Staff in this instance was good, it is important that ships officers and crew are equally aware of the importance of having measures in place to prevent bird strikes (such as darkening ship) and how to respond should a strike occur.

Within the next year we hope to have both the new Wildlife and Protected Areas Ordinance and the Visitor Ordinance ready for public comment (Members will be notified) prior to being enacted in Law.  Members should be aware that it will be an offence to intentionally or recklessly kill, injure, capture, handle or molest a wild bird or a protected wild mammal.  If it therefore transpires in future seasons that a bird strike has occurred as a result of negligence and inadequate measures being in place to prevent such an incident from happening, GSGSSI may be bound to refer the incident to our Attorney General for possible prosecution.

FUEL CARRIAGE

GSGSSI has been following fuel developments closely.  We are also waiting to hear the outcome of the IMO Marine Environmental Protection Committee meeting in July.

GSGSSI had intended to mirror any fuel regulations, which apply to the Antarctic Treaty Area.  However, the measures now proposed go further than GSGSSI had anticipated previously.  Therefore whilst it is likely that GSGSSI will still impose similar regulations within South Georgia Territorial Waters, restricted access to Cumberland East Bay (CEB) for vessels carrying specified grades of intermediate fuel oil, may still be permitted, subject to strict regulations and Navigation Orders.   It is likely that there would then follow a phased withdrawal of this restricted access over a period of years.  GSGSSI is currently recording details of the fuel carried by all types of visiting vessels.  Members will be kept informed.

Members should be aware that last year a number of oiled penguins were identified at various colonies along the north coast in late winter and early spring.  The source of the oil was not identified and it is quite possible that it was a transient slick, which had been discharged far offshore.  Nevertheless, this year, as a precautionary measure, GSGSSI has been obtaining fuel samples for all visiting fishing vessels and reefers.

FUR SEALS

Clearly Fur Seal Pups like this one are only looking for a meal.  It is safer to land visitors while parents are at sea.

Photo © J. Brock SARTMA

Every vessel operator will be aware that the numbers of fur seals on South Georgia continue to grow each year.  Last season with assistance from HMS ENDURANCE British Antarctic Survey (BAS) scientists were able to complete their aerial survey of the breeding fur seal population and GSGSSI looks forward to seeing the results from this survey.

At many approved landing sites during the peak period of fur seal breeding it is simply not safe or appropriate to conduct landings and site visits must be restricted to offshore Zodiac cruising. The Government’s position is very clear in respect of this issue and any activity, which causes harm, or distress to any animal is wholly unacceptable.  This includes moving or disturbing territorial males and females with pups on breeding beaches in order to affect a safe landing for passengers.  In cases such as this a landing should never be undertaken. 

Where it is possible and appropriate to land safely, the numbers of seals mean that it is not always possible to respect the IAATO recommended 5-10m distance rule from the animals. In order to accommodate this situation GSGSSI has amended the Government’s Wildlife Protection Guidelines to read, “Never disturb seals in breeding colonies, or territorial seals in order to effect a landing (or cause disturbance by cruising offshore in close proximity).”   Failure to revise our Government guidelines would in effect have undermined the credibility of the GSGSSI wildlife protection policy, thereby running the risk that other elements of the policy could be treated with impunity by less responsible visitors.

In respect of South Georgia visits, GSGSSI would now also encourage IAATO Members to re-examine the current IAATO recommended minimum approach distances for fur seals.  Expedition Staff will also need to expect and accept that during the peak period of fur seal breeding, they may have to rely on zodiac cruising, which is still a thoroughly rewarding experience for the visitor.

COOPER BAY CHINSTRAPS

GSGSSI is pleased to report that after nearly 5 years, the Cooper Bay chinstrap penguin colony will be open again next season to visitors.  The site was closed following an outbreak of avian cholera (Pasteurella multocida) outbreak during the 2004/5 season.

Last January GSGSSI undertook a further survey of the Cooper Bay Chinstrap and other neighbouring penguin colonies.  The chinstrap colonies appeared healthy and a combination of blood and swab samples were taken from 109 birds for laboratory analysis in the UK and South Africa (Blood samples from a previous survey which were sent to the UK were unfortunately lost).  On this occasion the sample results showed no evidence of the pathogen or antibodies to it.  GSGSSI would nevertheless ask all staff to remain vigilant for any signs of illness at the colony, and be particularly conscientious in the application of biosecurity protocols before and after landings.

GRYTVIKEN PROJECT

During the course of her visit it was particularly pleasing that HRH was able to officially open the newly commissioned Hydro-electric scheme at Grytviken. 

This brings to an end the major works, which have been a part of life at Grytviken for the best part of 8 years.  It also now means that the territory is well on the way to being powered totally by renewable energy sources.

GSGSSI would like to thank all the IAATO vessel operators and staff for their patience and assistance during landings throughout this period.  A big thank you must also be extended to all the vessel operators who have assisted with passages for contractors and engineers (or with the overspill of scientists and BAS staff who have been unable to secure berths on the overstretched Government patrol vessel.) .

Next season visitors will hopefully enjoy a more peaceful Grytviken.  (Save for the gentle hum of a turbine!)  Expedition Staff should also note that a post office service will be operating from Grytviken, which will negate the need for passengers to walk around to King Edward Point.  The work camp has now been removed, the site cleaned and the road to the dam landscaped.  Only minor ongoing maintenance work is anticipated in the coming seasons. Without the assistance of the IAATO vessels GSGSSI would have reached this stage and Government wishes to thank all of the IAATO members for the assistance you have given.

© Richard McKee

Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands