The Antarctic Ocean Commission (CCAMLR) has again failed to create long promised ocean sanctuaries at their annual meeting. The Commission did however recognise eight new Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs), unique Antarctic seabed ecosystems with high biological diversity, which are now protected from fishing. The new VMEs include seven that were documented during submarine dives from the Greenpeace ship, Arctic Sunrise, and cover approximately 70km2 in total [1].
These sites are spectacularly diverse in sponges and corals, which provide living space for other species such as icefish and octopuses. Photo and video footage from these VMEs on the Antarctic seabed are available via our Media Library here.
The Antarctic Ocean Commission failed to reach consensus on creating three large Marine Protected Areas for the Antarctic Peninsula, East Antarctica and the Weddell Sea, despite support from an overwhelming majority of governments. Two members' blatant disregard for undisputed scientific advice also left the world's largest known fish breeding colony, with an estimated 60 million icefish nests, without protection.[2]
Dr Susanne Lockhart, the lead scientist on the Greenpeace expedition, said:
"It is truly disturbing that the Commission has failed to protect an obviously Vulnerable Marine Ecosystem, disregarding unanimous advice put forward by CCAMLR scientists over three scientific assessment meetings. Despite this, the protection of all seven proposed Greenpeace sites, plus one additional site, gives me some hope. Eight sites that support extensive and mature communities now enjoy permanent protection from all bottom fishing activities."
Dr Laura Meller of Greenpeace's Protect the Oceans campaign [3] said:
"I'm glad we've fast tracked protection for these Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems, small universes unlike anywhere else on the planet. However once again, the Antarctic Ocean Commission has failed to act at the scale needed to match the climate and ocean crises. Billions of people rely on healthy oceans, they play a vital role in the fight against climate breakdown, but the Commission is letting widely supported proposals which would protect 4 million square kilometres of ocean gather dust on their desks.
"What we've seen at the latest Antarctic Ocean Commission meeting provides an example of how not to set up a functioning international body. Its reliance on consensus decision making has left it utterly ineffective, and unable to deliver the protection the Antarctic needs. This dysfunction makes it even more clear that governments must agree a strong Global Ocean Treaty, with the power to create ocean sanctuaries all over this blue planet, and without letting one or two delegations stop urgent ocean protection."
