Antarctic Protection Talks Fail: No New Marine Reserves or Krill Rules

International efforts to protect Antarctica’s fragile marine ecosystem hit a major roadblock last week, as delegates from 27 nations failed to agree on critical conservation measures during their annual summit in Australia.

The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) wrapped up its 11-day meeting in Hobart on October 31st with no progress on two key issues: establishing new marine protected areas in the Southern Ocean and strengthening regulations for krill fishing. Krill—tiny shrimp-like creatures—serve as a crucial food source for whales, penguins, and seals throughout the Antarctic ecosystem.

Environmental advocates expressed deep concern about the stalemate. “The ‘conservation’ word is fading out of the convention,” warned Maximiliano Bello, an ocean policy consultant with the UK’s Blue Marine Foundation. He noted a troubling shift toward prioritizing fishing interests over ecosystem protection, particularly regarding krill harvesting operations.

The fishing industry acknowledged the lack of progress but maintained its commitment to voluntary conservation measures. The Association of Responsible Krill harvesting companies (ARK) says its members will continue avoiding 28,500 square miles of critical penguin feeding areas—restrictions they implemented voluntarily in 2019. However, many scientists argue that voluntary measures aren’t sufficient to protect species like emperor penguins, which face mounting pressure from climate change.

With Antarctica’s marine life under increasing threat from warming waters and commercial fishing, conservationists are calling the failed negotiations a missed opportunity. The commission won’t meet again until 2025, potentially delaying crucial protections for another year.