Last wilderness 'under threat'
Wednesday, 17 Oct 2007 07:32
Antarctica and the Southern Ocean need protecting, WWF says
Global action is needed to protect the Southern Ocean and Antarctica, according to the WWF.
The wildlife charity has described this area, which covers nearly 40 per cent of the world's surface, as the world's "last great wilderness" and said its fragile habitats are under threat.
Networks of marine-protected areas are needed, WWF says, to help unique populations of fish, seabirds and marine animals including whales, seals, albatrosses and penguins.
These networks would cover at least ten per cent of the Southern Ocean's 35 million square kilometres by 2012.
Areas given protection would suffer less of an impact from fishing and tourism, making it better equipped at adapting to rising temperatures.
The WWF's calls come as international diplomats, environmentalists and scientists meet at an event hosted by the Duke of Edinburgh.
WWF is seeking support from parties of the Antarctic Treaty and the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) to afford the Southern Ocean and Antarctica greater protection.
Constance Johnson, WWF Antarctic and Southern Ocean initiative manager, said: "WWF welcomes the progress made by CCAMLR in building a system of comprehensive protection for the marine environment but we urgently need countries to bolster the work of CCAMLR by a show of diplomatic support."
WWF-UK chief executive David Nussbaum added: "It is vital that countries start immediate multilateral action to conserve Antarctica and the Southern Ocean for future generations."
During the last 50 years the Antarctica Peninsula has warmed in some places by as much as three per cent - five times the global average.
Declines in wildlife have already been noted by scientists, including in the rockhopper, chinstrap and adelie penguin populations.
Krill, the keystone of the Antarctic food chain, are also facing a huge reduction in numbers, putting the entire marine ecosystem at risk.