ASOC’s initial objectives were to convince governments to conclude negotiation of the world’s first “ecosystem as a whole” treaty on fishing; prevent oil, gas, and minerals development in the Antarctic by blocking the ratification of the proposed Minerals Convention; and to open up the Antarctic Treaty System to include participation by NGOs and specialist international bodies.
ASOC’s primary objectives were to negotiate a global treaty encompassing the entire "ecosystem" for fishing; prevent the exploitation of Antarctica's resources by blocking the adoption of the proposed Minerals Convention; and broaden the scope of the Antarctic Treaty to include participation from NGOs and specialized organizations.