Ant-ICON-'Integrated Science to Inform Antarctic and Southern Ocean Conservation': a new SCAR Scientific Research Programme

Antarctic and Southern Ocean environments are facing increasing pressure from multiple threats. The Antarctic Treaty System regularly looks to the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) for the provision of independent and objective advice based on the best available science to support decision-making, policy development and effective environmental management. The recently approved SCAR Scientific Research Programme Ant-ICON - 'Integrated Science to Inform Antarctic and Southern Ocean Conservation' - facilitates and coordinates high-quality transdisciplinary research to inform the conservation and management of Antarctica, the Southern Ocean and the sub-Antarctic in the context of current and future impacts. The work of Ant-ICON focuses on three research themes examining 1) the current state and future projections of Antarctic systems, species and functions, 2) human impacts and sustainability and 3) socio-ecological approaches to Antarctic and Southern Ocean conservation, and one synthesis theme that seeks to facilitate the provision of timely scientific advice to support effective Antarctic conservation. Research outputs will address the most pressing environmental challenges facing Antarctica and offer high-quality science to policy and advisory bodies including the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting, the Committee for Environmental Protection and the Scientific Committee of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources.

Automated summary

Antarctic and Southern Ocean environments are under increasing pressure, thus the independent and objective advice from the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) is crucial for decision-making, policy development, and effective environmental management. The recently approved SCAR Scientific Research Programme Ant-ICON aims to provide scientific support for the conservation and management of Antarctica, the Southern Ocean, and the sub-Antarctic through high-quality transdisciplinary research.