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Biosecurity Explained: How Travel and Conservation in Antarctica Co-Exist
Can travel and conservation in Antarctica co-exist? For us at Ultima, it's a resounding yes! Antarctica is one of Earth's last frontiers - where nature reigns supreme. Here's how every one of our visits honours its fragility. Photo: Ultima Antarctic Expeditions
At the heart of Ultima Antarctic Expeditions lies a deep commitment to Antarctic exploration and scientific discovery.
We caught up with Riaan Aucamp, Ultima Antarctic Expeditions CEO and Murray Williams, Ultima Antarctica Expeditions Manager and Head of Communications, to find out more about the company’s commitment to its core mission of purpose-driven travel in support of science, safeguarded through strict biosecurity.
Responsible, Purpose-driven Travel in Support of Science
For Riaan Aucamp, Ultima Antarctic Expeditions CEO and the Ultima team, the goal is to create ambassadors for each guest they bring to Antarctica.
“It is important to link tourism with the scientific work being done in Antarctica,” states Aucamp. “It emphasises how absolutely crucial this work is for the survival of our planet.”
Thus, Ultima Antarctic Expeditions isn’t just a leisure travel operator. The company is backed by its sister company, Ultima Antarctic Logistics, which has been supporting the various government research expeditions operating in Antarctica since 2001.
As one of the first air bridges, from Cape Town to the continent, travel time is significantly reduced for government research groups from up to 20 days by ship to just 5.5 hours by air, direct from Cape Town International.
“This faster, more efficient transport system has been crucial for maximising research time,” says Aucamp.
The Antarctic Austral Summer season runs from late October to mid-February each year. As a result, Ultima Antarctic Expeditions cross-subsidise these seasonal logistical flights by filling empty seats with tourists or “non-government visitors”, ensuring that the flights are fully utilised while “minimising our carbon footprint,” states Aucamp.
“As a company, we only take in 250 tourists per year. That’s 250 tourists into a continent that is twice the size of Australia. We are mindful of our footprint and ensure it is as light as possible.”
Why is Biosecurity Crucial in Antarctica?
Ultima’s biosecurity protocols are among the most stringent in the industry, according to Aucamp, to prevent the introduction of non-native species or pathogens that could harm the pristine Antarctic environment.
Aucamp clearly outlines the necessity of biosecurity, stating, “Antarctica is the last true wilderness on Earth, and we have a responsibility to keep it that way. Before you travel to Antarctica, we ensure you ‘don’t pack a pest’. It is vitally important that we keep our bird species in Antarctica safe, including the important Emperor Penguins, that we are so proud to take tourists to.”
Biosecurity Measures:
- Pre-boarding plane fumigation – To prevent the introduction of pests or invasive species.
- Foot scrubbing with Virkon disinfectant before boarding – Aimed at mitigating the spread of Avian influenza.
- Strict biosecurity protocols for tourists – To prevent introducing non-native species by adhering to IAATO protocols and packing guidelines.
- Foot scrubs before entering sensitive areas – Ensures biosecurity in regions with birdlife, especially emperor penguin habitats—expert guide monitoring to leave nothing behind.
- Ongoing global partnerships with the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) Network – Collaboration to access and uphold the latest safety protocols and information.
“We take our responsibility extremely seriously to ensure that we have bio-safe operations,” adds Aucamp.
Photo: Ultima Antarctic Expeditions
The Lightest-Footprint Tourism Model
Murray Williams, Ultima Antarctica Manager and Head of Communications shed further light, stating, “Our relationship with IAATO is an ongoing relationship, and we are in constant contact during the operational season to ensure that any necessary advisories or information which we need to know about or submit are taken into account and abided by.”
“There’s an old maxim in the wilderness: ‘Take only photographs and leave only footprints.’ And it’s what we live by at Ultima Antarctica Expedition,” says Williams.
Every activity from Ultima Oasis camp is carefully supervised by qualified guides to ensure visitors leave nothing behind, emphasises Williams.
“Every single piece of equipment, every piece of produce that is taken into Antarctica, is meticulously checked, and likewise, at the end of an expedition and the end of the season, waste generated is taken out again.”
“Believe it or not, even all human waste is returned from Antarctica at the end of the season,” says Williams.
“We aim not to leave a trace on the ice where we have spent the summer season. That is what we call operating with a light footprint in Antarctica.”
For more information about availability for our upcoming season, Visit Ultima Antarctic Expeditions – Antarctica Tours and Packages or contact our expert travel advisors to learn more about our purpose-driven travel in support of science.