Short facts about the economy in Antarctica
| Economy -
overview: |
Fishing off the coast and tourism, both
based abroad, account for the limited economic activity. Antarctic fisheries in
1998-99 (1 July-30 June) reported landing 119,898 metric tons. Unregulated
fishing landed five to six times more than the regulated fishery, and allegedly
illegal fishing in antarctic waters in 1998 resulted in the seizure (by France
and Australia) of at least eight fishing ships. Companies interested in
commercial fishing activities in Antarctica have put forward proposals. The
Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources determines
the recommended catch limits for marine species. A total of 13,193 tourists
visited in the 1999-2000 summer, up from the 10,013 who visited the previous
year. Nearly all of them were passengers on 24 commercial (nongovernmental)
ships and several yachts that made 143 trips during the summer. Most tourist
trips lasted approximately two weeks. | Source: World Factbook
