Since 1959, Antarctica has been recognized as a continent deserving special international protection. The Antarctic Circumpolar Current helps protect the region by keeping surrounding waters cold and deep, limiting glacial and habitat loss. However, global warming and overfishing are increasingly threatening glaciers, biodiversity, and key species such as krill.

The area west of the Drake Passage — the strait between South America and Antarctica — is shown in detail. The contour lines represent the eastward flow of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. As the current narrows through the Drake Passage, the large volume of moving water creates turbulent seas and supports a rich ocean ecosystem.