According to VOA News, two major countries are working together to block new environmental protection measures in one of the most pristine marine ecosystems on Earth.
The Australian Antarctic Division warns that this resistance is “very concerning,” especially given “the inability of some members to support the extension of existing krill management measures as the harmonization process progresses.”
What’s happening?
At a recent meeting in Australia, China and Russia opposed major proposals to create new ocean protected areas and maintain restrictions on krill fishing in the Southern Ocean.
The proposals include four new marine protected areas and the renewal of existing restrictions on krill fishing near the Antarctic Peninsula. Currently, fishing in this area is limited to 620,000 tonnes to prevent too much fishing in one location. Krill are small, shrimp-like creatures that feed on penguins, seals and whales.
Why are blocked Antarctic protections a concern?
The ocean around Antarctica is home to unique wildlife that depends on a delicate food chain. If there is too much krill fishing in a given area, it can leave local penguin and seal populations without sufficient food.
“If there is too much krill fishing in a small area of Antarctica, it will limit the amount of food available to seal and penguin populations,” says Tony Press, an Antarctic expert at the University of Tasmania.
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Some analysts believe that China wants to increase its influence in Antarctica through fishing rights, while Russia expects to disrupt international cooperation. Both countries are said to believe that creating more protected areas could limit future development in the region.
What is being done to conserve Antarctica?
Other countries on the 26-member Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources are pushing back. They are exploring ways to implement protective measures without the intervention of Russia and China.
The commission has previously successfully established two protected areas in the Southern Ocean: one in 2009 and one in 2017. The four new proposed zones would increase the total protected area to 26% of the Southern Ocean.
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Experts suggest that diplomatic pressure and joint action from other countries could help overcome the blockade. “Other countries could decide that the behavior of Russia and China means that they have to implement decisions between themselves,” Press said.
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