World May Protect One Of The Most Pristine Parts Of The Southern Ocean

"For years, world leaders have been arguing over the best way to protect the chilly Southern Ocean at the bottom of the world from threats like pollution and overfishing. Now, they may finally be one step closer to an agreement.

This week, members of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) are convening in Hobart, Australia, for an annual meeting, where they will discuss the conservation and management of the Southern Ocean. And one of their priorities will be to continue negotiations on proposed marine protected areas, or MPAs, that have proved challenging.  

Establishing the MPAs is crucial to the protection of, and continued research of, the Antarctic ecosystem, conservationists have argued. But some countries are concerned that the protected area could damage their fishing operations in the Southern Ocean, and for the past few years, negotiations have fallen flat."

Chelsea Harvey reports for the Washington Post October 19, 2016.