Ground-breaking climate research of million-year old ice and studies into Antarctic krill, a keystone species of the Southern Ocean, will be key features of Antarctic science over the next decade.

Today the Australian Antarctic Science Council released a 10 year Australian Antarctic Science Strategic Plan, highlighting the global importance of the region and Australia’s leadership in this sector.

It sets out three key research areas:

• Environmental Protection and Management;
• Ice, Ocean, Atmosphere and Earth Systems; and
• Human Presence and Activities in Antarctica.

The plan also highlights the importance of digital integration, with data collection and analysis underpinning scientific outputs.

The new plan was developed following consultation with the Antarctic science research sector, Commonwealth agencies, Tasmanian government, universities and industry stakeholders.

The Australian Antarctic Science Council is comprised of eminent scientists and representatives from key agencies involved with the Australian Antarctic Science Program, including the Australian Antarctic Division, Australian Academy of Science, CSIRO and Geoscience Australia.