BAS provides expert advice for Antarctic Wildlife Awareness Manual
BAS has been working with the RN ice patrol vessel HMS Endurance and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) in contributing to a Wildlife Awareness Manual to help reduce the impact of helicopter operations in Antarctica. A range of experts from BAS – bird biologists, environmental managers and mapping specialists – all contributed advice, photographs and maps for the manual.
It is designed to be used by Royal Navy helicopter pilots and crew and includes detailed maps and information about the location of bird colonies in the Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands and South Orkney Islands, as well as guidance and advice on landings at research stations and sensitive sites in the region. The Manual came into full use on HMS Endurance during 2006/07 season and now plays a key role in all flight planning and helicopter operations.
The polar environmental and mapping consultancy Environmental Research & Assessment Ltd designed and produced the manual for the FCO.
Further information about the Wildlife Awareness Manual is available on the FCO website.
