But an Australia and France-led push this year to create a second protected area in East Antarctica spanning another one million square kilometer zone failed. “While CCAMLR was not able to adopt a Climate Change Response Work Program this year, members will continue to work together ahead of the next meeting to better incorporate climate change impacts into the commission’s decision-making process,” she said. They are considered critical for scientists to study how marine ecosystems function and to understand the impacts of climate change on the ocean. The East Antarctica plan originally comprised seven large marine areas but was reduced to three as a compromise—MacRobertson, Drygalski, and the D’Urville Sea-Mertz region. Protection of the Ross Sea takes effect from December 1.

Source: Manila Times October 28, 2017 14:15 UTC