What is the USAP?
USAP Summary & Background 2006-2007 Season
Antarctic Policies
Conservation
International Cooperation

What is the USAP?

United States Antarctic Program (overview)
Fact Sheet—U.S. Antarctic Program

USAP Summary & Background 2006-2007 Season

The USAP Summary & Background outlines the basic goals and rationale behind conducting research in Antarctica, and how science projects are aligned with the USAP's goals to expand fundamental knowledge of the region, to foster research on global and regional problems of current scientific importance, and to use the region as a platform or base from which to support research.

Reasons to Perform Antarctic Research
USAP Research Highlights
Environmental Protection & Waste Management
Personnel
Year-round Research Stations
Austral Summer Research Camps
Marine and Air Operations
Overall National Achievement
About the National Science Foundation

Antarctic Policies

The United States Antarctic Program represents our Nation in Antarctica. Carrying forward U.S. goals supporting the Antarctic Treaty, the program strives to encourage international cooperation, maintain an active and influential presence in the region, and continue to conduct high-quality science research, all while sustaining funding efficiency. Read the Antarctic Treaty in its entirety, or peruse through the various U.S. Antarctic policies.

The Antarctic Treaty
Antarctic Treaty Secretariat
U.S. Policy for Antarctica
U.S. Federal Agency Responsibilities
International Cooperation
U.S. Antarctic Policy—U.S. Department of State

Conservation

Because Antarctica is one of Earth's pristine, isolated regions, the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties have developed measures to protect the environment and conserve living resources; in response, the United States has created laws and regulations to implement these measures. Anyone participating in the USAP must work within these regulations. The USAP promotes strict adherence to the Antarctic Conservation Act, which protects Antarctic native plants, animals, and their habitats. You can read about this effort on the following web pages.

Antarctic Conservation Act
Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 complete text of Public Law 95-451
The Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP)
Antarctic Protected Areas Information Archive
Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR)

International Cooperation

The Antarctic Treaty regulates international cooperation in Antarctica, and different nations continually support one another in logistics and science projects across the continent. Exciting collaboration is taking place, and the United States Antarctic Program is a prominent participant. Browse through information on international cooperation by using the below links.

U.S. Antarctic Policy—U.S. Department of State
Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP)
Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR)