Economy - overview:
Fishing off the coast and tourism, both based abroad, account for
the limited economic activity. Antarctic fisheries in 2000-01 (1
July-30 June) reported landing 112,934 metric tons. Unregulated
fishing, particularly of tooth fish, is a serious problem. Allegedly
illegal fishing in antarctic waters in 1998 resulted in the seizure
(by France and Australia) of at least eight fishing ships. The
Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources
determines the recommended catch limits for marine species. A total
of 12,248 tourists visited in the 2000-01 antarctic summer, down
from the 14,762 who visited the previous year. Nearly all of them
were passengers on 21 commercial (nongovernmental) ships and several
yachts that made trips during the summer. Most tourist trips lasted
approximately two weeks.