Disappointment over CCAMLR's failure to establish MPAs in Antarctica
Commissioner Damanaki expressed her disappointment over the failure of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) to reach an agreement on the establishment of Marine Protected Areas in Antarctica during its 23rd Annual Meeting held in Hobart, Australia, from 23rd October to 1st November.
Commissioner Damanaki expressed her discontent by stating that: "The adoption of these Marine Protected Areas would have been a bold and important step for marine protection in CCAMLR and globally. This is another missed opportunity for CCAMLR to fulfil its own objective to establish a network of MPAs. We will continue to support the establishment of these MPAs and hope that CCAMLR can continue to be a leading force in marine conservation."
The EU had submitted, together with Australia and France (on behalf of its overseas territories), a proposal for the establishment of an East Antarctica Representative System of Marine Protected Areas. Despite the presentation to CCAMLR members for the third time, consensus between the parties could still not be reached.
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