At a time when scientists are warning of catastrophic consequences unless action is taken to protect our oceans - Russia is being accused of blocking the creation of a vast Antarctic marine reserve.
Delegates to the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) meeting in Hobart, Australia recently said Russia was stalling any attempts of conservation in the Antarctic. It's thought that Russia is being difficult over the recent conflict in the Ukraine and the annexation of the Crimea.
The commission has now failed to come to an agreement four times in three years on protecting more than 2.5 million square kilometres of sea off the coast of Antarctica.
The proposal to create the massive marine reserve is based on scientific advice that the protection of Antarctic marine ecosystems from overfishing is a key step in preserving the flagging health of the world’s oceans. Marine species such as whales, penguins and sea birds will also greatly benefit from the protection of a new reserve.
Russia should focus on the plight of the Antarctic region and the world's oceans for the future of the planet and agree to the marine reserve – not on diplomatic tensions.
Please sign and share the petition to demand that Russia stops blocking the creation of an Antarctic marine reserve.
