Antarctic Environmental Protection Act: permits
Photographer: Adam Jenkins
National Science Foundation
Date Taken: January 23, 2010
With certain exceptions, any visit conducted by Canadians in the Antarctic requires a permit. These permits can be obtained from Environment and Climate Change Canada. If you have already obtained authorization from another country which is a Party to the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, you may not need a separate Canadian permit.
Do I need a permit?
If you are travelling as part of an organized tour, the tour operator should obtain the required permissions. You should always confirm that all your activities are included in your tour operator’s authorizations.
It is not necessary for everyone on an expedition, or everyone planning to carry out a specific activity in the Antarctic, to apply for a permit. One person may apply on behalf of others who are part of the same expedition or group. The person who applied will be responsible for the actions of every person and vessel covered by the permit.
Contact antarctique-antarctic@ec.gc.ca Environment and Climate Change Canada to verify if you require a Canadian Antarctic permit before your trip.
What is covered by a permit?
The conditions of a permit will apply to all persons or vessels covered in that permit. The types of conditions contained in the permit will depend on the types of activities in the application. For example, a scientific expedition will have different conditions than a group of tourists.
Some activities are always prohibited unless a permit specifically allows them, for example:
the recovery and exploration of mineral resources for scientific purposes
Disturbance of native species for scientific study or educational purposes
Entry into and activities in designated Antarctic Specially Protected Areas.
What information is required to apply for a permit?
In order to ensure the protection of the Antarctic environment, persons applying for a permit will need to provide information so their application can be evaluated. The information requirements include:
Environmental Evaluation - an assessment of possible environmental impacts and ways to minimize the impacts
Waste management Plan – a plan for how you will handle and dispose of all waste generated during your activities
Emergency Plan – a plan to prevent and respond to any potential emergencies during activities
Financial Security (in some cases) – insurance to cover potential costs needed to prevent, mitigate, or remedy any adverse environmental impacts caused by your activities while in the Antarctic
How to submit a permit application:
Permit application forms, and further information and guidance, are available by request from antarctique-antarctic@ec.gc.ca
IMPORTANT: Completed permit applications must be sent to Environment and Climate Change Canada at least 90 days before your planned departure.
Submit completed and signed application by email:
antarctique-antarctic@ec.gc.ca
Or by Mail:
Marine Programs, Environment and Climate Change Canada
351 St. Joseph Boulevard, 16th Floor
Place Vincent Massey
Gatineau, Quebec
K1A 0H3
Canada
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