Clerke Rocks facts for kids
The Clerke Rocks, can be seen on this North-down Cook's map
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| Geography | |
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| Coordinates | 55°01′S 34°41′W / 55.017°S 34.683°W |
| Archipelago | South Georgia |
| Administration | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
The Clerke Rocks are a group of small, rocky islands. They are located about 35 miles (56 km) southeast of South Georgia. These islands stretch for about 5 miles (8 km) from east to west. The group includes smaller islands like The Office Boys in the northeast and Nobby in the southeast. The tallest island in the group reaches 242 meters (794 feet) above the sea.
Contents
About the Islands
The rocks of Clerke Rocks are very similar to those found at Drygalski Fjord on South Georgia. There isn't much plant life on the islands. You might find some lichens, which are simple plant-like growths.
Wildlife on the Rocks
Even though they are small, Clerke Rocks are home to many animals. Just like the nearby Shag Rocks, many cormorants live here. Macaroni penguins and black-browed albatrosses are known to build their nests and raise their young on these islands. Other types of birds might also breed here. Antarctic fur seals also come to Clerke Rocks to have their pups.
Discovery and Exploration
The Clerke Rocks were first seen in 1775. This happened during a British expedition led by Captain James Cook. Captain Cook named the islands after Charles Clerke. Charles Clerke was an officer on Cook's ship, HMS Resolution. He was the first person on the expedition to spot the rocks.
First Landings
It is very hard to land on Clerke Rocks because there are no natural places to come ashore. The first time anyone successfully landed on the islands was in 1927. A group of Norwegian whalers managed to land and collected some rock samples. Since then, only three more landings have been recorded. Two of these later landings were made for scientific research.
Who Owns the Islands?
The Clerke Rocks are part of a larger area that includes South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. This area also includes the Shag Rocks. In 1992, a 200-mile (320 km) maritime zone was created around these islands. This means that the waters around them are managed.
Territorial Claims
The islands officially belong to the British Overseas Territory of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. However, Argentina also claims these islands. Argentina considers them part of its Tierra del Fuego Province. Fishing in the waters around the islands is controlled by the South Georgia authorities. They give out licenses, set limits on how much fish can be caught, and manage the fishing trade.
See also
In Spanish: Rocas Clerke para niños
