Plastics and microplastics as limiting factors for conservation in Antarctica within the framework of the Antarctic Treaty System

Abstract

The Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) was established to preserve Antarctica’s unique environment by promoting peaceful scientific collaboration and environmental protection. However, recent studies revealed the critical shortcomings in its capacity to address solid waste and plastic pollution, particularly microplastics, which now threaten the ecological integrity of the continent. In this commentary, we critically examine the regulatory, infrastructural, and political limitations of the ATS in managing plastic waste and its associated impacts. We identify key challenges, including weak enforcement mechanisms, lack of standardised monitoring protocols, insufficient waste management infrastructure, and poor integration of emerging scientific evidence into policy. Furthermore, we highlight the ecological consequences of solid waste and plastic pollution in Antarctic marine ecosystems. To address these gaps, we propose a range of strategic recommendations, including binding regulatory reforms, standardised monitoring frameworks, infrastructure upgrades, enhanced international cooperation, and stakeholder engagement initiatives. These measures are essential to align the ATS with current pollution reports and to ensure the long-term conservation of the Antarctic environment in the face of increasing global plastic pollution.