French Austral Lands and Seas

The French Austral Lands and Seas are a French overseas natural territory comprising several sub-Antarctic island groups and a sector of Antarctica under French administration. The property encompasses large marine areas and isolated islands with high ecological importance for seabirds, seals and marine life.

Key natural attributes include extensive seabird breeding colonies, significant populations of pinnipeds and undisturbed marine ecosystems that support long-distance foraging species. The islands present volcanic and glacial-influenced landscapes with limited human habitation beyond research stations.

These territories have been managed as French Southern and Antarctic Lands with a focus on scientific research, resource management and conservation of wilderness values. Conservation measures and scientific monitoring underpin management given the ecological sensitivity and remoteness of the areas.

The components are scattered across the southern Indian Ocean and Antarctic sector, including the Crozet and Kerguelen Islands, Amsterdam and Saint-Paul, and Ade9lie Land on the Antarctic coast; all lie far from continental landmasses and are reached mainly by specialised vessels or aircraft.

• Sub-Antarctic and Antarctic biodiversity: Covers French sub-Antarctic island groups and a sector of Antarctica under French administration, notable for large seabird colonies, marine mammals and relatively undisturbed sub-Antarctic ecosystems.
• Restricted access and research focus: Access is tightly controlled and primarily by research or authorised expedition; the territories are remote and managed for scientific research and conservation.

What to See #

• Crozet Islands: The Crozet Islands, a sub-Antarctic archipelago important for large seabird colonies and marine biodiversity within the southern Indian Ocean.
• Kerguelen Islands: The Kerguelen Islands, a large sub-Antarctic group with volcanic landscapes and diverse seabird and seal populations.
• Amsterdam and Saint-Paul: Amsterdam and Saint-Paul islands, smaller volcanic islands hosting seabird breeding colonies and research stations.
• Ade9lie Land: Ade9lie Land (Terre Ade9lie), the French claim sector on the Antarctic continent included within the property's geographic scope for its polar marine and coastal environments.