Heard Island was visited by several scientific expeditions in the 1800s and early 1900s, beginning with a visit by scientists from HMS Challenger in 1874. A research station was operated from 1947 to 1954 by Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition (ANARE), later shifting activities to bases on the Antarctic mainland. Further ANARE activities occurred in 1963, 1969, 1971, and 1980, and have more recently occurred in 1985, 1986-87, 1987-88 and 1990. An active, although spasmodic, research programme is conducted which covers both biological and earth sciences, and cultural remains. Research on the McDonald Islands has been very limited, landings on the islands having been made only in 1971 and 1980 (when a four day biological survey was made). In 1985, an improved 1:50,000 scale map of the whole territory was produced, and in 1986/7 an extensive aerial photographic survey of ice-free sites was completed. CONSERVATION VALUE Heard Island and the McDonald Islands are a classic example of a subantarctic island group with low species diversity, but huge populations of certain species. The islands show volcanic, glacial and karst features, as well as typical coastal features. The condition of the islands is reported to be excellent (DASETT, 1990), and the islands have suffered far fewer impacts on their ecosystems than other subantarctic islands. There are no introduced species, and as a result Heard Island is an important location for burrowing birds such as petrels. Population levels of most species of seabird and marine mammal breeding in the islands are reported to be stable. However, changes in populations of certain key species, and the observed glacial retreat (opening new areas for colonisation) indicate valuable research opportunities. The linking of these changes to possible shifts in weather patterns is of particular significance given current concern about climate change. The nominated area includes an extensive marine area in order to ensure ecological integrity as virtually all species which inhabit the island are dependant on the marine environment for their survival. CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT The Heard and McDonald Islands Act, 1953 and the Environment Protection and Management Ordinance, 1987 are administered by the Antarctic Division of the Federal Department of the Arts, Sport, the Environment, Tourism and Territories. Interim guidelines for visitors have been followed for several years and these deal with administrative, safety, and environmental protection measures. Under these it is prohibited to: interfere with fauna or flora; introduce any animal, plant, parasite, or disease; collect samples, except for bona fide scientific reasons; use motorised vehicles; light fires; erect permanent structures; or carry or use firearms. A management plan for HIMI was instituted in February 1996. It outlines protective measures that are in force which prohibit entry to the island without a permit, and prohibits activities which would be potentially harmful to the natural and cultural environment. The plan the major proportion of HIMI to be wilderness area and provides guidelines for management of the islands expressed in goals, objectives and strategies (Commonwealth of Australia, 1996). MANAGEMENT CONSTRAINTS Populations of seals and penguins on Heard Island (particularly Antarctic fur seal, southern elephant seal, and king penguin) are recovering from heavy exploitation in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and the immediate area around the ANARE station on Heard Island has been slightly modified. Otherwise most of Heard Island is unaffected by man, and no alien plants or animals are present - sheep Ovis aries were introduced with the first Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition (1947), but did not become established. One exception may be the impact of stranded fishing debris and other artefacts, and several fur seals have been seen entangled at Heard Island (Slip and Burton, 1991). The McDonald Islands are unmodified by man, and there are no alien plants or animals. One of the principal management constraints is the problem of formulating management standards and practice given the limited scientific understanding, and the general susceptibility of island ecosystems to disturbance. Also, while geographical isolation has been a key factor in the conservation of the islands, it also presents a problem when trying to manage a site so remote from the Australian mainland. These two factors, and the need to keep the islands free of introductions, are likely to feature prominently in the management plan being drafted. STAFF No staff position is solely dedicated to management of HIMI. However, in meeting its responsibilities the Australian Antarctic Division draws on the skills and knowledge of some 15 permanent members of staff for policy, planning, environmental, legal, operational and public information/education concerns, each of whom has a watching brief on HIMI matters (Commonwealth of Australia, 1996). BUDGET Administration and management of HIMI is funded from the Australian government's appropriation to the Australian Antarctic Division. Estimated budget amounts to a total of about US$234,000 per annum.