SCAR's Code of Conduct for the Exploration and Research of Subglacial Aquatic Environments

This Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) Code of Conduct (CoC) provides guidance to the scientific community with interests in exploring and conducting research on and in Antarctic subglacial aquatic environments (SAE). The CoC was prepared by a SCAR Action Group in consultation with SAE specialists from a wide range of disciplines including the Committee of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP). It was developed in recognition of the value of these environments, the need to exercise environmental stewardship, and the growing scientific interest in these environments. The CoC draws on published literature with special attention paid to SCAR Subglacial Antarctic Lake Environments (SALE) Scientific Research Program reports and the U.S. National Academies report on environmental stewardship of SAE2. The U.S. National Academies report on environmental stewardship of SAE was presented the U.S. at ATCM XXXi/CEP XI as IP110. The CoC will be updated and refined as new scientific results and environmental impact reports become available from planned SAE exploration campaigns.