MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Antarctica annual turnover 900 million US dollars

Antarctica has an annual turnover of 900 million US dollars mainly from fisheries, scientific research and tourism, of which Punta Arenas only takes advantage of twelve million US dollars, claimed Jose Retamales Director of the Chilean Antarctic Institute, reports La Prensa Austral.

Mr. Retamales back from a recent presentation in Santiago before the Chilean Antarctic Policies Council said he emphasized that contrary to common belief Antarctica must not be seen "as a cost, but rather as an opportunity to help develop regions such as Magallanes and its port Punta Arenas".

Of the 900 million US dollars, 720 million come from scientific research and tourism of which Punta Arenas only managed 12 million, "we therefore have ample space for a better organization and growth in Antarctic services".

Mr. Retamales added that together with Chile's Foreign Affairs Ministry it was agreed to create a public-private association to develop a network of services; promote Magallanes in Antarctic forums; identify new opportunities and invite more countries and organizations to operate from Punta Arenas.

Among the more immediate proposals are the creation of an interactive scientific and historical Antarctic museum and drafting an Antarctic tourism circuit.

Mr. Retamales also announced the successful ending of the Antarctic XLI Chilean scientific expedition involving 14 field projects plus the doubling of resources for the 2005/06 scientific research season, totalling almost 1,5 million US dollars.