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Agenda Item: ATME 3(a)(ii)

Presented by: New Zealand

Original: English

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New Zealand: Hydrographic Surveying and Charting In the Ross Sea Region,

Antarctica

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New Zealand: Hydrographic Surveying and Charting In the Ross Sea Region, Antarctica

Adam Greenland, New Zealand National Hydrographer, Land Information New

Zealand

Hydrographic Survey Coverage of Antarctica

The majority of the Antarctic sea area remains unsurveyed or requires a modern

re-survey. Less than 1% of the sea area within the 200m contour has been

adequately surveyed to meet the needs of contemporary shipping entering

Antarctic waters. It is important that vessels operating in the Antarctic Treaty

area should be aware of the limitations regarding the adequacy of charts for the

region.

To date, the greatest effort has been focused on the Antarctic Peninsula Maritime

Shipping Routes (MSR) and approaches to permanent scientific bases.

Hydrographic Information

Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) is responsible for maintaining and

delivering the NZ Government’s land and seabed information including

information in respect of the Ross Sea region of Antarctica. LINZ’s survey,

topographic mapping, hydrographic charting and place naming activities

collectively provide key elements of a spatial infrastructure.

LINZ is the government department responsible for providing authoritative

hydrographic information for the primary purpose of safety of navigation. New

Zealand is a member state of the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO)

and LINZ is the national hydrographic authority.

Surveying and Charting in Antarctica

New Zealand is a full member of the IHO Hydrographic Commission on Antarctica

(HCA) which is responsible for hydrographic surveying and nautical charting

matters in International (INT) Region M - the Antarctic. Membership is open to

any IHO Member State whose government has acceded to the Antarctic Treaty.

LINZ, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade attended the most

recent HCA meeting held in South Africa in October 2009 and presented a

comprehensive national report with details of past, current and intended surveys

and charting activities within the Ross Sea Region.

The aims of the HCA include technical cooperation in the domain of hydrographic

surveying, marine cartography and nautical information within the region. In

particular; to implement the INT chart scheme for the region and monitor its

suitability, to define the needs for new surveys and if necessary to develop a

cooperative approach to meet those needs.

Essentially, the HCA works to promote, facilitate, stimulate and encourage a

multilateral approach to hydrographic activity within the region. This ensures the

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widest possible participation and cooperation across IHO member states, relevant

international organisations, industry bodies and scientific organisations.

In recent years the IHO has been active in raising awareness of surveying and

charting issues with Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) nations at Antarctic Treaty

Consultative Meetings (ATCM). This has culminated in the adoption of Resolution

3 (2003) – ATCM XXVI – Cooperation in hydrographic survey and charting of

Antarctic waters, and Resolution 5 (2008) – ATCM XXXI – Improving hydrographic

surveying and charting to support safety of navigation and environmental

protection in the Antarctic region. These Resolutions constitute a firm

commitment by Antarctic Treaty Parties to undertake steps to improve the quality

and coverage of hydrographic data in the region.

NZ Hydrographic Surveying Activities

During the 2001 and 2004 survey seasons LINZ contracted the National Institute

of Water and Atmospheric Research Ltd (NIWA) to undertake a safety of

navigation survey of a new MSR within the Western Ross Sea Region. The NIWA

research vessel Tangaroa conducted the surveys using the survey launch Pelorus

for shallow inshore survey work.

The proposed survey area extended from Cape Adare in the north to Cape Hallett

in the south, along the east coast of Victoria Land. These were identified as areas

of more frequent maritime traffic, including research and commercial tourist

traffic. It included three specific chart areas of Cape Adare and Cape Hallett (INT

9006) and the Possession Islands (INT 9007) as well as the MSR connecting all

three areas and anchorages.

In 2001 an initial lack of sea ice enabled the capture of hydrographic data in the

areas of Cape Hallett and Possession Islands. Incoming sea ice forced the ship

north before they could complete coverage of the Cape Adare area. Further

survey work was conducted around the Balleny Islands.

In 2004 the survey recommenced off Cape Adare, being the area of highest

priority. However due to deteriorating weather and the increasing presence of

pack ice Cape Adare was abandoned for the Balleny Islands where more

productive survey work could be accomplished.

In summary the various charts that existed for the Ross Sea Region prior to the

recent surveys contained scant information and appeared to be compilations from

various historic sources. It was noted that significant differences do exist between

these charts and the survey. Many shoal soundings of doubtful data were

sounded and disproved. Most of the MSR has been surveyed with the exception of

areas occupied by grounded icebergs. However, in some areas it is very likely

that many uncharted and dangerous shoal areas exist, for example in the near

shore waters of islands and inshore landing areas. The extent of which can only

be determined with more surveys.

NZ Government and Science Voyages

In 2006 and 2008 further surveys were conducted on an opportunistic basis by

NIWA for LINZ. The areas included Scott Island (INT 9003) and Balleny Islands

and Balleny Seamount (INT 9012).

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Other Hydrographic Data

Hydrographic data received by LINZ from a scientific cruise by R/V Palmer in

2004 was processed and used to update existing charts and produce new charts

of Cape Royds to Pram Point (INT 9001) and McMurdo Station and Scott Base

(INT 9002).

LINZ has recently received bathymetric data from the Institute of Geological and

Nuclear Sciences Limited (GNS), a Crown Research Institute of New Zealand. GNS

have compiled a comprehensive database of surveys over the last 3 decades

which includes multi-beam and single-beam data from various sources for the

region 130º E to 110º W and from 50º S to 80º S. The data include 119 surveys

– 28 of these are multi-beam. The data will be assessed for future editions of NZ

charts in the Ross Sea Region.

INT Chart Region M – South of 60ºS

As of September 2009 a total of 60 INT charts have been produced out of the 102

INT charts which are included in the scheme.

The New Zealand chart folio is produced and maintained by LINZ and consists of

small and large scale INT charts extending from the Balleny Islands in the north

to Ross Island in the south.

Prior to the 2001 and 2004 hydrographic surveys LINZ produced two small scale

overview charts of the Southern Ocean and Ross Sea. These charts were

compiled using IHO information gathered mainly from vessel tracks on ocean

passage shared among member states.

The result of the LINZ safety of navigation surveys and availability of further

information in recent years has been the production of 8 new nautical charts in

the last 7 years. These are medium scale coastal/approach charts and large scale

inshore landing/harbour charts.

These nautical charts are available to the mariner as traditional paper charts and

are included in the Raster Navigational Chart (RNC) folio, NZMariner. LINZ is in

the process of producing Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) of these charts to

meet the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)

Convention, Mandatory Carriage Requirements for Electronic Chart & Information

Systems (ECDIS).

However, it should be appreciated that whilst new charts have been produced

many have limited coverage surveyed to modern standards and significant

unsurveyed areas and large areas of scant information remain.

Ship-Borne Tourism in the Ross Sea Region

From data collated from the IAATO Overview of Antarctic Tourism reports it has

been possible to carry out a limited investigation and analysis of recent ship-

borne tourism in the Ross Sea Region. Information from 2003 - 2008 including an

estimate for the 2009-10 season was analysed and the following observations are

made.

Ship-borne tourism in the Ross Sea Region fluctuates annually and is largely

confined to a small number of tourist vessels. The most popular seasons were

2005-06 and 2008-09 with a total of 11 and 10 voyages per season respectively

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and an increase in sites visited from 12 to 21 in 2008-09. The two most popular

sites are Cape Adare and Cape Bird which are Antarctic Specially Protected Areas

(ASPA) as are many of the sites visited. New sites are being included in the

voyages.

Future Intentions

Further investigation and analysis is required which will include science and

government vessels to obtain a comprehensive understanding of all shipping

activity in the Ross Sea Region. Actual landing locations and vessel tracking

information is becoming available which can be matched to existing charting

coverage surveyed to modern standards.

It will highlight areas of significance to support improvements to the standard of

charting where it is needed most, namely; sensitivity of the environment, needs

of scientific research, demands of the tourism industry and other identified

maritime activities.

In accordance with initiatives agreed by the IHO HCA, LINZ will co-operate with

national and international departments and organisations to identify areas of

significance and develop a prioritised survey plan for the Ross Sea Region. This

work will be guided by the HCA Survey Prioritisation Working Group (HSPWG) and

be presented at the next HCA meeting as part of the national report for review

and comment. A range of options will be considered which will include use of

vessels of opportunity.

This work will be a whole-of-government approach in accordance with the LINZ

vision in the Ross Sea Region Strategy 2003-2012.

New Zealand will continue to support, promote and contribute to the work of the

IHO HCA. New Zealand proposes to develop a national prioritised survey plan for

the Ross Sea Region which will include a range of options to achieve the desired

outcomes in an appropriate timeframe. It is New Zealand’s intention to present

the national prioritised survey plan at the next IHO HCA Meeting.

Recommendations

1. The Antarctic Treaty Parties should advise all tourist vessels intending to

operate in the Antarctic Treaty area to be aware of the limitations of the

adequacy of charts for the region.

2. The Parties should contribute to the improvement of charting information.

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NZ CHARTS – SOUTHERN OCEAN &

ROSS SEA REGION

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NZ14908 (INT 9008) Cape Adare to Cape Daniell

New Zealand – Ross Sea Region

Chart No. Title Scale Published New Ed

NZ 14065 (INT 65) Ross Sea to New Zealand 1:10M 10/1994

NZ 14900 (INT 900) Ross Sea 1:2M 4/1998

Chart No. Title Approx. % Surveyed to

Modern Standards

Scale Published New Ed

NZ 14901 (INT

9001) Cape Royds to Pram Point 45% 1:60K 7/2007

NZ 14902 (INT

9002) McMurdo Station and Scott Base 20% 1:5K 7/2007

Approaches to Scott Island: Scott

Island 25% 1:75K NZ 14903 (INT

9003) Scott Island 80% 1:25K

8/2008

Cape Adare 70% 1:50K

Cape Hallett 70% 1:50K

Ridley Beach 60% 1:15K

NZ 14906 (INT

9006)

SeeBee Hook 50% 1:15K

1/2003 8/2006

NZ 14907 (INT

9007) Possession Islands 60% 1:60K 1/2003 8/2006

NZ 14908 (INT

9008) Cape Adare to Cape Daniell 40% 1:200K 1/2003 8/2006

NZ 14909 (INT

9009) Cape Hooker to Coulman Island 2% 1:500K 6/2004

NZ 14912 (INT

9012) Balleny Islands 25% 1:300K 8/2006

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Legend

Maritime Shipping

Route

Chart Coverage

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NZ14907 (INT 9007) Possession Islands

Legend

Maritime Shipping

Route

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NZ14906 (INT 9006) Cape Adare and Cape Hallett

Legend

Maritime Shipping

Route

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NZ14912 (INT 9012) Balleny Islands

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NZ14901 (INT 9001) Cape Royds to Pram Point

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NZ14902 (INT 9002) McMurdo Station and Scott Base

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Ship-Borne Tourism in the Ross Sea Region 2003-2010

Summary

- The majority of tourist visits are to the Antarctic Peninsula where the largest

vessel carries approximately five times more passengers than the largest

vessel operating in the Ross Sea.

- Two new vessels commenced operations in the 2005-06 season, although not

all vessels operate in the Ross Sea region each season

- The total number of visits (landings & cruise only) increased in 2008-09 by

approximately 300% from the previous season and the number of sites visited

increased from 12 to 21.

- Of the 28 sites listed, Cape Adare, Cape Bird and Franklin Island show the

greatest increase in total visits during 2008-09 than the previous season.

However, the 2007-08 season recorded the least number of passengers and

visits for the six seasons investigated.

- Two new sites were included in the 2008-09 season that had not been visited

during the previous five seasons. These were Cape Colbeck (King Edward VII

Land) and the Ross Ice Shelf (actual location(s) unknown).

- Three sites have not been visited since the 2005-06 season (Balleny Islands,

Cape Rogets and Ironside Glacier); one since 2004-05 season

(Leningradskaya); and three since 2003-04 (Campbell Glacier, Cape Crozier

and Moubry Bay).

- Estimates for the 2009-10 season indicate three vessels returning to the

region, the same number as the last season; however the total number of

voyages planned has halved. The total number of passengers is estimated to

be reduced by approximately 40%, reflecting similar numbers to those

recorded during the 2007-08 season (the least for the seasons investigated).

- Further investigation and analysis is required to identify:

o actual landing locations

o actual vessel track

o future surveying & charting requirements for safety-of-navigation

Notes:

1. Information collated from IAATO Overview of Antarctic Tourism reports

(www.iaato.org)

2. Estimates for 2009-10 extracted from the XXXII Antarctic Treaty meeting,

2009, IAATO Overview of Antarctic Tourism report.

3. Other operators such as scientific research, fisheries or government

agencies have not been included.

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Table 1: Number of Tourist Vessels per Site / per Season

Season

Site 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10

Balleny Islands 1 1 1 1

Campbell Glacier 1

Cape Adare (16) 2 2 4 2 1 3 2

Cape Bird (12) 1 2 2 2 1 2 2

Cape Colbeck 1

Cape Crozier 1

Cape Evans (16) 1 2 3 3 2 3 2

Cape Hallett 2 2 2 1 2

Cape Rogets 1 3

Cape Royds (13) 2 2 3 2 3 1

Cape Washington 1 2 1 1 1

Coulman Island 1 2 2

Drygalski Ice Tongue 1 2 1 1

Franklin Island (13) 1 1 3 3 1 2 2

Inexpressible Island (11) 1 2 4 2 2

Ironside Glacier 1 1 1

Leningradskaya 1

McMurdo Ice Channel 1 1 1 1 3

McMurdo Station (10) 2 1 1 1 1 2 2

Mertz Glacier Tongue 2 2 1

Moubry Bay 1

New Harbour 1

Possession Island 1 1 2 1

Ross Ice Shelf 2 3

Ross Sea 2

Scott Base 2 1 1 1 1 1

Taylor Valley 1 1 1 1 1

Terra Nova Bay 3 1 1 2

Terra Nova Station (11) 2 2 4 1 1 1

Table 2: Number of Tourist Vessel Voyages per Season

Season

Vessel 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10

Kaptain Khlebnikov 4 3 4 2 2 1

Marina Svetaeva 2 3

Orion 2 3 2

Spirit of Enderby 2 2 3 3 5 2

Akademik Shokalskiy 3 3

Total voyages 7 5 11 8 5 10 5

Table 3: Vessel Particulars

Name Length Beam Draught POB

Kaptain Khlebnikov 122.5 26.5 8.5 178

Marina Svetaeva 90.0 17.2 5.3 134

Orion 103.0 14.3 3.8 250

Spirit of Enderby 69.7 12.8 4.5 72

Akademik Shokalskiy 69.7 12.8 4.5 72

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Figure 1: Ross Sea Region Overview

Legend

Year V/Ls

2003-04

2004-05

2005-06

2006-07

2007-08

2008-09

2009-10

Existing Charts

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Figure 2: Cape Adare, Cape Hallett & Coulman Island

Legend

Year V/Ls

2003-04

2004-05

2005-06

2006-07

2007-08

2008-09

2009-10

Maritime Shipping

Route

Existing Charts

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Figure 3: New Zealand & Sub-Antarctic Islands

Legend

Year V/Ls

2009-10