The federal government must provide resources for science in Antarctica if it wants to keep its territorial stake in the icy continent.
A submission to the federal government's 20 Year Australian Antarctic Strategic Plan points out that Australia has strong strategic national interests in the Antarctic, including a large territorial claim.
The credibility of that claim is underpinned by the nation's presence in the region through scientific activities, the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering submission says.
"Australia depends on the Antarctic for a range of environmental and economic benefits," the submission says.
Antarctica provides a range of important ecosystem services and is an important area for fisheries management and biodiversity conservation.
The submission calls on the government to provide resources and long-term funding for scientific activities on the continent if Australia is to maintain a long-term presence there.
"These activities also have direct national benefits through improving our understanding of the region and of the potential impacts resulting from increased human activity in the region," it says.
Australia has a strong geopolitical interest in ensuring Antarctica is used for peaceful purposes, that the Antarctic Treaty is upheld and it is "imperative" to be well-informed on the activities of other countries in this important region, the submission says.
It also suggests Australia could explore the effects of tourism in the Antarctic - by seeking to become a world-leader in best-practice approaches to minimising environmental harm from tourism activities in the region.
