The idea of creating extensive marine reserves in the Southern Ocean, around Antarctica, seems like a no-brainer.
The reserves would protect what is still the most pristine aquatic ecosystem in existence, and they would extend to the ocean some of the international protection that the continent enjoys: the recognition that the south polar region is a world treasure, off limits to the frenzy of resource extraction playing out across the rest of the planet.
In July, at the most recent meeting of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources in Bremerhaven, Germany, there was a nearly giddy sense of optimism that, after repeated failures, the proposal would finally pass. But it failed again, thanks largely to Russia and Ukraine, who raised unfounded legal objections. And while not completely caving in, fishing nations like China, Norway and Japan called for smaller reserves and a “sunset clause” that would allow for future exploitation and essentially render the whole idea of a permanent reserve meaningless.
All this has led the staunchest supporters of the original 875,000-square-mile proposal — chiefly the United States and New Zealand — to do exactly the wrong thing. Instead of going into the next month’s meeting in Hobart, Australia, with renewed determination, the two countries announced last week that they would agree to shrink the proposed reserves by 40 percent, in the belief that something is better than nothing.
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- First Indian Woman To Travel To Antarctica, Meher Moos, Passes Awayon May 9, 2024 at 1:35 am
Long before travel blogs and vlogs set off a global travel rush, Moos' reports on her adventures to exotic corners of the world enthralled her friends and readers. "She could entertain you for hours with stories about her travels,
- Sporadic temperature surges in Antarctica linked to climate change: NCPOR chiefon May 8, 2024 at 5:00 pm
Recent incidents of warm air breaching the belt of super-chilled air over Antarctica and leading to a sharp rise in temperatures are linked to climate change, senior scientist Thamban Meloth has said.
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- It’s The Ultimate Summer Of Music At Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Mayaon May 7, 2024 at 8:16 am
Located along Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya is the place to be for an adults-only vacation with endless island vibes.
- Over 260 acre Derrymore Island Nature Reserve put on the market for €1 millionon May 7, 2024 at 5:15 am
The over 100-hectare Derrymore Island makes up part of the more than 300-acre landholding - which is for sale by private treaty.
- Coast Guard Relieves Its Top Reserve Enlisted Leader After Investigation into Misconducton May 6, 2024 at 3:28 pm
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Reserve Timothy Beard was relieved Friday as a result of "loss of confidence," officials said.
- Active-Duty Marine Christopher Tate Set to Make ARCA Debuton May 6, 2024 at 7:33 am
By Seth Eggert, Associate Editor Late Model racer Christopher Tate will become the latest active-duty United States military serviceman to compete in the ARC ...
- Marine moved from the U.S. to Brussels with her family—our mortgage is under $3,000/month: Take a look insideon May 4, 2024 at 7:00 am
In Belgium, "we can embrace a slower pace of life and a culture that prizes friends and vacations at least as much as work," says Jessica van Dop DeJesus.
- More than 100 Junior Marine Promotions Delayed Due to Computerized Clerical Erroron May 3, 2024 at 1:42 pm
The Marine Corps ordered units not to promote anyone to corporal or sergeant during the month of May, at least until the scope of the issue could be determined, according to a service message sent ...
- Do Seismic Tests Impact Marine Mammals? The Science Says ‘No’on May 2, 2024 at 9:13 am
As supporters of wind industrial development off the northeastern US Atlantic coast have discovered in recent years, the use of seismic surveys is an essential ...
- Air Force, Navy likely to fall short on reserve recruits in 2024on May 2, 2024 at 8:45 am
The Air Force Reserve and the Navy Reserve are expected to fall short of this fiscal year’s recruitment goals.
- Air Force, Navy likely to fall short on reserve recruits in 2024on May 2, 2024 at 1:45 am
Officials from the reserve components of the Army and Marine Corps said their forces are currently on target for their recruitment missions. Lt. Gen. Jody Daniels, chief of the Army Reserve ...
- How the Corps is trying to get exiting Marines to stay as reservistson May 1, 2024 at 9:30 am
The Corps already has doubled the number of Marines who enter the Reserve right after the end of their active service via the Direct Affiliation Program.
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