Antarctic fauna and flora is protected by stricted rules that trend to prevent possible harmful effects caused by human activities. In general terms, the Madrid Protocol prohibits taking or harmful interference of species of plant or animal, except in accordance with a permit. Such permit is issued under specific conditions, only with scientific purposes, e.g. to provide specimens for scientific study or scientific information, for museums, herbaria, zoological and botanical gardens, or other educational or cultural institutions or uses.

On the other hand, some rules have been established to prevent the introduction of non-native species that could harm existing species, producing modifications in natural conditions of Antarctic ecosystems affected.

It must be taken into account that the importation of species also includes micro-organisms (e.g., viruses, bacteria, parasites, yeasts, fungi) not present in the native fauna and flora and that could determine the spread of illness.