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https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-28/russia-china-block-proposals-antarctic-marine-life-conservation/104523490>
'Russia and China have been accused of blocking every proposal at an
international conference tasked with conserving Antarctic marine life.
The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources
(CCAMLR) wrapped up its annual meeting in Hobart on Friday.
Key proposals presented at the meeting included establishing new marine
protected areas in the waters surrounding Antarctica and revisions to the krill
fishery management plan.
The commission came into force in 1982 following concerns about the impact of
increased commercial fishing on Antarctic marine life, as seabirds, seals and
whales rely on krill for food.
Its membership comprises 26 states, including Australia, as well as the
European Union.
Any member state can veto proposed measures, which Russia and China have
repeatedly done in the past.
This year's meeting was no different, with attendees saying every measure was
blocked by one or both countries.
A spokesperson for the Australian Antarctic Division said the "most concerning"
outcome from the meeting was "the failure of some members" to support the
extension of existing krill management measures.
"This is a backwards step for CCAMLR and puts krill, and the ecosystems and
predators it supports, at risk," they said.
The spokesperson said Australia had been pushing for a system of marine
protection areas for more than a decade, as well as strong krill fishery
management measures and improved data collection, monitoring and control
arrangements.
Speaking to the Australian Associated Press, German Agriculture Minister Cem
Özdemir said Russia and China continued to resist measures to protect Antarctic
marine life.
"Russia's interest in constructive global cooperation is zero, and China
unfortunately also prioritises the short-term exploitation of marine resources,
such as krill, over their long-term conservation," he said.'
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
