The Australian Academy of Science described the current access arrangements to Australia's research stations on the continent and the sub-Antarctic islands - a mix of icebreaker and plane transport - as "woefully inadequate".

The academy said the number of science projects supported by the Australian Antarctic Program had dropped from 142 in 1997-98 to just 62 this year.

The number of scientific publications - a measure of productivity - had also fallen from about 200 a year between 1999 and 2006 to less than 100.

And the ratio of scientists to other personnel had also dropped from 50 per cent in 1989/90 to just 20 per cent of present staff ratios.

The report said funding to maintain the science program and operations were "chronically underinvested" and that basic infrastructure at the stations was rapidly ageing.

The Aurora Australis icebreaker, the research and resupply ship, had reached the end of its lifespan and needed to be replaced, it said. And although air transport had reduced travel time to the continent, it was extremely weather dependent and had not made access easier or more reliable.

"Australia is rapidly falling behind developing nations that are taking an increasingly high interest in the Australian Antarctic Territory, particularly China, Russia and India," the report said.

The comments, made in the academy's submission to the 20 Year Australian Antarctic Strategic Plan, are in line with similar remarks made by the Australian Academy of Technological Science and Engineering in its submission.

ATSE said that, while other countries were increasing their investment and presence in Antarctica, Australia was lagging behind.

"As a consequence Australia's international credibility is suffering because of our limited ability to match the efforts of these other nations," it said.

The 20-year strategic review, conducted by former Australian Antarctic Division director Tony Press, now the head of the Antarctic Climate & Ecosystem CRC, was commissioned by the government last year and is due to be completed in July.

The AAD said it was not commenting on individual submissions.

Australia claims 43 per cent of Antarctica, the largest of any nation, and is responsible for a large part of the Southern Ocean.

The continent is governed by the Antarctic Treaty, signed by 49 nations.

The original 12 signatories, including Australia, are most influential in setting the political agenda.

The Australian Academy of Science said that, of the 49 nations signed to the treaty, only 28, including Australia, were consultative parties, that must demonstrate a "substantial science program".

"Actively pursing our role as a major consultative party ensures that Australia's Antarctic interests are not diminished," it said.