Environmental legislation news: MPA established in Southern Ocean

The first-ever high-seas Marine Protected Area (MPA) has been established south of the South Orkney Islands in the Southern Ocean.

Covering an area spanning approximately 94,000 sq km, the MPA has created a no-fish zone that will provide scientists with a chance to research the effects of climate change in a diverse marine environment.

It is estimated that the Antarctic Peninsula Region, the site of this MPA, is home to more species than the Galapagos Islands.

The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) approved the creation of the high-seas MPA as part of plans to introduce a network incorporating 11 further MPAs across areas of the Southern Ocean it considers high priority.

Members of CCAMLR represent the interests of more than 30 countries around the world, including Japan, Germany and Australia.

Introducing the MPA was described as a "remarkable achievement" by the WWF, which has been closely involved in the process.

Rob Nicoll, the WWF-Australia, Antarctica and Southern Ocean initiative manager, commented: "Members must ensure they make good on this decision and commit the required resources and political will to achieve comprehensive protection of the Southern Ocean's unique marine environments and species."

In May 2010, the first MPA will come into force and the CCAMLR has pledged to establish the remaining 11 protected areas by 2012.

Posted by Lauren Steadman