The Antarctic Commission has failed to reach an agreement on creating new marine protected areas during a recent conference in Hobart, Australia, prompting criticism from environmentalists. Discussions aimed at safeguarding endangered species in regions such as East Antarctica and the Weddell Sea were hindered by objections from Russia and China. Activists warn that climate change and overfishing threaten marine ecosystems, urging for stricter conservation measures. Despite prior agreements in 2009, only two of the planned six protected areas have been established.
The Antarctic Commission aims to enhance the safeguarding of at-risk marine species in the Southern Ocean, yet member states have once again failed to reach a consensus on new protected regions during recent discussions. Environmental advocates are expressing concerns over this setback.
Delegates from the Antarctic Commission (CCAMLR) spent nearly two weeks in Hobart, Australia, deliberating on strategies to bolster ocean conservation. Their focus was primarily on establishing additional marine protected areas. Unfortunately, the discussions concluded without any agreements being reached.
Initially, there were plans to create protected zones in East Antarctica, the Weddell Sea, and the waters surrounding the Antarctic Peninsula. These areas are home to several threatened animal species, such as penguins, seals, and whales, which face dangers from climate change, marine pollution, increased tourism, and overfishing. Environmentalists have long advocated for a more extensive protective framework for these crucial marine habitats.
Moreover, the spread of avian influenza among mammals has raised further alarms.
Unanimous Agreement Required
Germany has been a vocal advocate for the establishment of more marine protected areas, recognized as one of the most effective approaches to conserve marine ecosystems and maintain biodiversity. For instance, fish populations can quickly rebound in these safeguarded areas when fishing is halted.
However, resistance from two specific countries, Russia and China, inhibited the negotiations. A unanimous agreement was necessary from all 27 governments involved in the protection of Antarctic marine life, including the EU. The Commission consists of 26 nations plus the European Union.
With issues such as ice melting, overfishing, and avian flu threatening the Antarctic region, the need for action has never been more pressing.
Özdemir Condemns Stalemate
German Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir expressed strong disapproval of the unproductive discussions in Australia. “We cannot afford to let geopolitical interests lead to a blockade,” he stated. He criticized the ongoing resistance from Russia and China, asserting that it reflects a lack of commitment to constructive global cooperation. He further emphasized that China’s focus on short-term gains from precious marine resources, including krill, compromises their long-term preservation.
According to the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC), which comprises numerous environmental organizations globally, the Commission has regressed rather than progressed in its conservation efforts. ASOC Managing Director Claire Christian pointed out that the delegations mainly represent fisheries and foreign ministries, with very few being from environmental ministries.
In a report released just before the CCAMLR meeting, ASOC highlighted the critical damages stemming from global warming. The Antarctic and adjacent Southern Ocean are experiencing unprecedented temperature shifts and frequent marine heatwaves, resulting in a steady decrease in sea ice.
Currently, the world’s largest iceberg is reported to be 4.5 times larger than Berlin, presenting stark challenges for the future.
Limited Progress on Protected Areas
Established in 1980, the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) set out to create a system of marine protected areas in the Southern Ocean. To date, however, only two out of six proposed protected areas have been established since 2009, and negotiations have increasingly stalled since 2016.
ASOC reports that approximately eight percent of the world’s oceans are currently under protection, while the United Nations aims to ensure that at least 30 percent of the world’s oceans are designated as protected areas by 2030.