World’s largest marine reserve created in Southern Ocean

* Russia shifts position to support reserve after 1.3 million join campaign*

The world’s largest marine reserve will be created in Antarctica after years of international negotiations and a massive public campaign in support of the idea.

The 1.55 million square kilometre reserve will be protected in the Ross Sea after Russia dropped its opposition to the plan. Moscow had been the last government opposing the creation of the reserve after China said it would support it last year.

Friday’s announcement sees the culmination of years of campaigning for the reserve by tireless conservationists and groups including a massive campaign by the global civic movement Avaaz, kickstarted by Leonardo Di Caprio and supported by over 2 million signatures from all over the world. Last spring, Avaaz delivered the petition with messages to Russian officials from citizens across the world.  

Luis Morago, Campaign Director at Avaaz, said: “There’s massive momentum in the world right now to protect our oceans. Governments have just set the landmark target of protecting 30% of our oceans, and millions of people all over the world are pushing for more protected areas to achieve that goal. The Ross Sea would just be the start.”

Phillipa Ross, Great, Great, Great Granddaughter to Sir James Clark Ross for whom the Ross Sea is named said: “The Ross family are euphoric that our family legacy has been honored in the 175th anniversary year since James first discovered the Ross Sea, thanks to the individuals and organisations who have poured their hearts and souls into campaigning for its protection along with the support of over a million global citizens”.

The reserve, which will be the size of the UK, Germany and France combined, will be the first high seas marine protected area in the world, setting a precedent for further protections of international waters. Last month the World Conservation Congress agreed to the ambitious goal of protecting 30% of our oceans by 2030 following a global call from the Avaaz community, and the US protected a giant swathe of ocean in Hawaii.

The Ross Sea is one of the most important marine environments on the planet, hosting thousands of species including whales, seals, and penguins, many of which have been threatened by overfishing and climate change. The Avaaz community has been pushing for this MPA since 2012.

For interview requests please contact Julie Deruy at  julie@avaaz.org or +33 6764 77259.

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