Cold hard facts about Antarctica

One of the lesser known facts about Antarctica is that it is also the highest continent with its land mass averaging 2500 metres above sea level, making it subject to some of the fiercest winds across the globe.

Add the remoteness of its locality- with the closest city being Argentina more than 1200 kilometres away and with Hobart more than 3400 kilometres from Antarctica's shores - these factors create enormous challenges for anyone undertaking any operation there.

It is quite literally the coldest, driest, highest, windiest and emptiest place on the planet.

Notwithstanding the hurdles, there is fast-growing interest in Antarctica from many nations.

There are however, growing concerns about the fish stocks in the region and the lack of a legal framework to guard against unsustainable exploitation.

A recent meeting of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) held in Tasmania considered the creation of expanded reserves.

The meeting resolved to undertake further scientific research and deferred any decision for at least six months.

It has been interpreted as a stalling tactic with some groups laying the blame for the delay on delegates from Russia, China and Ukraine.

This exemplifies the complex political and legal hurdles that are preventing the establishment of a framework within which all parties would operate.

The lack of a sovereign government on Antarctica means protection measures and codes of conduct require agreement and consensus.

Exploration and mining is currently banned under the Madrid Protocol, signed in 1991 and which entered into force in 1998.

This treaty can only be reviewed if all parties agree on such a step.