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Antarctic Nations Fail to Deliver on Marine Protected Areas, WWF Expresses Disappointment

Lack of Urgency at CCAMLR Meeting Leads to Delayed Action

Hobart, Australia - The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) has concluded its 42nd meeting, but the outcome is disappointing. Despite record low sea-ice levels and the first cases of bird flu reaching Antarctica, countries failed to establish crucial marine protected areas (MPAs) in the Antarctic Peninsula, Weddell Sea, and East Antarctica.

National Interests Trump Conservation Needs

The meeting was marked by a lack of urgency, with countries agreeing to push proposals for MPAs until next year’s meeting in 2024. Emily Grilly, WWF Antarctic Conservation Manager, expressed disappointment at the outcome: “This is frustrating and disappointing that discussions for MPAs have been ongoing for more than a decade. The record low levels of sea-ice and catastrophic breeding failure of emperor penguins should have been an alarm bell for countries to come together, prioritize conservation, and honour their commitment to establish MPAs with significant no-fishing areas.”

Climate Change and Industrial Krill Fishing Have Devastating Impacts

Climate change and industrial krill fishing have had devastating impacts on wildlife and the marine ecosystem. WWF called on decision-makers to heed these warnings, but the response remained focused on short-term national benefit rather than long-term stability of Antarctica and its dependent wildlife.

Call to Action

Grilly emphasized the need for nations to work together: “We call on all nations to put their differences aside and work together to protect this vulnerable region. With the speed of change in Antarctica accelerating, continued inaction is indefensible. It could lead to devastating outcomes for Antarctic wildlife.”

Positive Signs Ahead

Despite the lack of progress this year, Grilly highlighted positive signs going into 2024: “We welcome the agreement by all CCAMLR members to make progress toward establishing the Antarctic Peninsula MPA, as well as strengthening krill fishing regulations, in 2024. It’s clear that 2024 will be a critical year for CCAMLR to play its part and align with global commitments to protect 30% of our oceans by 2030.”

Key Points

  • The CCAMLR meeting failed to establish marine protected areas (MPAs) in the Antarctic Peninsula, Weddell Sea, and East Antarctica.
  • Countries prioritized national interests over conservation needs.
  • Record low sea-ice levels and bird flu cases in Antarctica underscore the urgent need for action.
  • WWF calls on nations to work together to protect this vulnerable region.
  • 2024 will be a critical year for CCAMLR to make progress toward establishing MPAs and strengthening krill fishing regulations.