The hole in the ozone layer, which many scientists believe is caused by the use of CFCs (chloroflorocarbons) in refrigerators and spray cans, allows more heat in the form of ultra-violet radiation to reach the Earth. This radiation is killing much of the phytoplankton which literally becomes sun burnt. Scientists at the American Palmer base on Anvers Island, which makes up part of the Antarctic peninsula, were studying the effect of the extra radiation on the phytoplankton until the Bahia Paraiso was wrecked in Arthur Bay in January, 1989. This Argentinian tourist ship was carrying over 600000 dm3 of jet and diesel oil to supply the scientific bases.
The ship ran aground close to the Palmer Base spilling 900 dm³ of its cargo into the sea-water. The scientists' work, which had taken many years of study, was ruined. The oil quickly killed thousands of sea-birds in the immediate area.

The Antarctic Treaty is due to be renewed in 1991. Some nations would like to change the treaty so that they can prospect for natural resources. This could mean that, if natural gas and oil are found to be present, oil rigs and storage areas would be constructed in Antarctica. It would also mean that super-tankers would be frequent visitors to the continent.

Many ecologists are afraid that mining activities in Antarctica could have dreadful effects. The Exxon disaster in Alaska shows how easy it is for oil spillages to occur, even when all possible precautions are taken. Exploitation of Antarctica would certainly have an adverse effect on the scenery and is likely to upset the plant and animal life. Some ecologists believe that mining and other activities could have serious world-wide consequences. They argue that no-one really knows the role which Antarctica plays in the world's climate and that, by disturbing the natural balance of the continent, we could unknowingly upset the balance of the biosphere itself. It is for this reason that the French explorer and ecologist Commander Jacques Cousteau called for Antarctica to be left as a Natural Reserve ; Land of Science. France, Australia and New Zealand support his idea and there is hope that other nations will follow their example before a decision is made about the future of Antarctica in the autumn of 1990.

• Antarctica Introduction
• Animals Living in Antarctica
• Primary Ecology Club Play about Antarctica
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