An Antarctic Specially Protected Area (ASPA) is a place in Antarctica or on nearby islands. It is protected by scientists and international groups. The ASPA program started in 1961 as part of the Antarctic Treaty System. This system controls all land and water south of 60 degrees latitude and helps protect these areas from human activities that could cause harm. A permit is needed to enter any ASPA site. 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.