Antarctica is experiencing a significant increase in tourist arrivals, precipitating concerns regarding ecological preservation and public health.

南極地區的遊客數量正顯著增加，引發了對生態保育與公共衛生的擔憂。

The proliferation of Antarctic tourism is partially attributed to 'last chance tourism,' wherein visitors seek to observe landscapes prior to their irreversible alteration by climate change. NASA data indicates an annual ice loss of approximately 149 billion metric tons between 2002 and 2020, with the Antarctic Peninsula identified as a primary zone of warming. Quantitative data from the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators reveals that in 2024, over 80,000 individuals landed on the continent, while 36,000 remained ship-bound. The International Union of Concerned Scientists reports a tenfold increase in visitation over the last three decades. Projections from the University of Tasmania suggest that technological advancements in ice-capable vessels and reduced costs could result in annual visits exceeding 400,000 within the next decade.

南極旅遊的激增部分歸因於「最後機會旅遊」，即遊客希望在氣候變遷導致景觀發生不可逆轉的改變前前往觀賞。NASA 的數據顯示，2002 年至 2020 年間，每年冰量損失約 1,490 億公噸，其中南極半島被確定為主要暖化區域。國際南極旅遊業者協會的量化數據顯示，2024 年有超過 80,000 人登陸南極大陸，而 36,000 人則留在船上。國際關注科學家聯盟報告指出，過去三十年來訪客量增加了十倍。塔斯馬尼亞大學的預測顯示，隨著破冰船技術的進步與成本降低，未來十年的年訪客量可能會超過 400,000 人。

This demographic surge has heightened the risk of biological contamination. The World Health Organization is currently investigating a hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius, which departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1. While officials suspect the primary infection occurred prior to embarkation and report an absence of rodents on board, the incident underscores the vulnerability of the region. Previous instances of avian flu, introduced via migratory birds from South America, have necessitated the implementation of more stringent hygiene protocols by tour operators. Current biosecurity measures include the rigorous disinfection of equipment and footwear to prevent the introduction of invasive microorganisms and organic matter.

這種人口激增增加了生物污染的風險。世界衛生組織目前正在調查 MV Hondius 號船上的漢坦病毒爆發事件，該船於 4 月 1 日從阿根廷烏舒亞亞出發。雖然官方懷疑主要感染發生在登船前，並報告船上沒有齧齒類動物，但此事件凸顯了該地區的脆弱性。先前經由南美洲候鳥引入禽流感的案例，使得旅遊業者必須執行更嚴格的衛生協定。目前的生物安全措施包括對設備和鞋類進行嚴格消毒，以防止侵入性微生物和有機物質的進入。

Governance of the region is predicated on the 1959 Antarctic Treaty, which designates the territory as a scientific preserve. Although the treaty secretariat maintains guidelines to mitigate adverse environmental impacts, the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition asserts that the existing regulatory framework is antiquated relative to current tourism volumes. Consequently, there are ongoing diplomatic efforts at the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting to enhance protections for indigenous fauna, including krill, pinnipeds, and cetaceans.

該地區的管治基於 1959 年的《南極條約》，將該領土指定為科學保護區。儘管條約秘書處維持相關指南以減輕對環境的負面影響，但「南極與南大洋聯盟」主張，相對於目前的旅遊規模，現有的監管框架已顯陳舊。因此，南極條約協商會議正持續進行外交努力，以加強對當地動物（包括磷蝦、鰭足類和鯨類）的保護。

Antarctic visitation continues to rise, necessitating a reevaluation of biosecurity and regulatory frameworks to protect the ecosystem.

南極訪客量持續上升，因此有必要重新評估生物安全與監管框架，以保護生態系統。