Aust urged to strengthen Antarctica sovereignty

energy

[go aussie - oi oi oi ?!? ]

A report by the Federal Government's defence think tank has called for more active diplomacy to protect Australia's claim to sovereignty over 42 per cent of Antarctica.

The Australian Strategic Policy Institute says the validity of the territorial claim could be challenged as international interest in Antarctica grows.

An author of the report, Dr Anthony Bergin, says Australia will face more challenges in Antarctica.

"There is going to be a lot more pressure on Antarctica - climate change, illegal fishing, more tourists, bio-prospectors," he said.

"If peak oil hits stratospheric levels, there could be an Antarctic cold rush, prospects for an iceberg harvesting industry - there is going to be more interest."