§2401. Congressional findings and declaration of purpose

(a) Findings

The Congress finds that-

(1) the Antarctic Treaty and the Agreed Measures for the Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora, adopted at the Third Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting, have established a firm foundation for the continuation of international cooperation and the freedom of scientific investigation in Antarctica; and

(2) the study of Antarctic fauna and flora, their adaptation to their rigorous environment, and their interrelationships with that environment has special scientific importance for all mankind.

(b) Purpose

The purpose of this chapter is to provide for the conservation and protection of the fauna and flora of Antarctica, and of the ecosystem upon which such fauna and flora depend, consistent with the Antarctic Treaty, the Agreed Measures for the Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora, and Recommendation VII–3 of the Eighth Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting.

( Pub. L. 95–541, §2, Oct. 28, 1978, 92 Stat. 2048 .)

Short Title

Section 1 of Pub. L. 95–541 provided: "That this Act [enacting this chapter, amending section 1971 of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse, and enacting a provision set out as a note under section 1971 of title 22] may be cited as the 'Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978'."