Abstract: This study summarizes and analyzes materials and academic literature relevant to the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting. Specifically, this study analyzes three aspects of development trends in the Antarctic Specially Protected Areas. In terms of number, Antarctic Specially Protected Areas can be divided into two echelons based on both historical development and comprehensive strength. In terms of the time of designation, the development of protected areas has experienced peak periods, descent periods and steady periods. In terms of spatial distribution, Antarctic Specially Protected Areas are not spatially representative and are most densely distributed in the Antarctic Peninsula and the Ross Sea. Additionally, this study summarizes and provides updates on the Antarctic Specially Protected Area designation process and makes suggestions with regard to future development of the protected areas, especially with respect to China.

Key words: Antarctic Specially Protected Area, management plan, environmental protection