A collective of concerned nations is planning to propose two new marine protected areas off the coast of Antarctica next week when the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) meets in Hobart, Australia.
Maria Damanaki, European Commissioner for maritime affairs and fisheries, said this week that the E.U., together with France and Australia, will propose establishing an area off East Antarctica. Meanwhile, the United States and New Zealand will propose a second area be established in the Ross Sea.
“Antarctica is one of the last pristine areas of our globe,” Damanaki said. “Still, its ecosystems are highly vulnerable – and our urgent action is required to protect them.”
CCAMLR will vote next week on whether to approve the proposed areas.
