An Antarctic Specially Protected Area (ASPA) is an area on the continent of Antarctica, or on nearby islands, which is protected by scientists and several different international bodies. The protected areas were established in 1961 under the Antarctic Treaty System, which governs all the land and water south of 60 latitude and protects against human development.^[1] A permit is required for entry into any ASPA site.^[2] The ASPA sites are protected by the governments of Australia, New Zealand, United States, United Kingdom, Chile, France, Argentina, Poland, Russia, Norway, Japan, India, Italy, and Republic of Korea. There are currently 72 sites.

• Antarctic Specially Managed Area

• Official List of ASPA sites
• ats.aq: The Official Guide to the Preparation of Management Plans for Antarctic Specially Protected Areas
• Government of Japan - efforts to protect Antarctica in Japan
• US State Department - Proposed Re-numbering of Antarctic Specially Protected Areas