Country Profile: Southern Ocean

The Southern Ocean is a significant body of water encircling Antarctica, recognized as the world's fourth largest ocean basin. Geographically, it extends from the coast of Antarctica to 60 degrees south latitude, encompassing diverse marine ecosystems. The ocean serves as a critical zone for global ocean circulation, influenced by the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, which plays a vital role in connecting various ocean basins. Though uninhabited, it is governed under various international agreements aimed at protecting its unique environment and marine life.

Geography

The Southern Ocean lies between 60 degrees south latitude and Antarctica, constituting a distinct circumpolar body of water. It is slightly more than twice the size of the United States, covering an area of approximately 21.96 million sq km. This ocean features a complex structure, including deep trenches, vast plains, and prominent currents like the Antarctic Circumpolar Current.

17,968 km of coastline.
3,270 m average ocean depth.
71.8 million cu km of total ocean volume.
Home to the South Sandwich Trench, the deepest point at -7,434 m.

Environment

The Southern Ocean faces a range of environmental issues including natural variations and man-made impacts on its ecosystems. It is governed by international agreements that protect its unique marine resources, particularly against commercial whaling and unregulated fishing. The ocean experiences extreme conditions driven by its cold waters, which can drop to -2 degrees Celsius in winter, influencing both its climate and biological habitats.

388,901 mt total fish catch in 2021, with krill being the predominant species.
Subject to the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources for sustainable fishing.
Protection against mineral exploitation established by the Environmental Protocol to the Antarctic Treaty.

Government

The governance of the Southern Ocean is defined by international protocols and agreements, especially those relating to the Antarctic region. The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) plays a key role in defining and recognizing its waters, although formal adoption of its borders remains limited.

Transportation

The Southern Ocean’s strategic waterways pose unique advantages for maritime transit. Notably, the Drake Passage serves as an alternative route to the Panama Canal, facilitating shipping between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Area	21.96 million sq km	Encompassing various seas around Antarctica
Coastline	17,968 km	Extensive coastline surrounding the continent
Ocean Volume	71.8 million cu km	Represents 5.4% of the world's ocean volume
Average Depth	-3,270 m	Indicates a significant depth across the ocean
Deepest Point	-7,434 m	Located in the South Sandwich Trench
Total Fish Catch (2021)	388,901 mt	Reflects the fishing activity in the region