Safeguarding the Southern Ocean

Safeguarding the Southern OceanGlobal Efforts to Protect One of Earth’s Last Wild Frontiers

The Southern Ocean is one of the last truly wild places on Earth. It’s home to an incredible array of biodiversity found nowhere else. Penguins, seals, bioluminescent worms, and colossal squid all thrive here. However, this fragile ecosystem is increasingly threatened by climate change and human activity. In response, global efforts are building momentum to protect the region for future generations.

Expanding Marine Protected Areas: A Global Commitment

Recently, a high-level ministerial meeting hosted by the European Union took a major step to protect the Southern Ocean’s biodiversity. Representatives from 15 nations and the European Union met online to discuss urgent actions. Together, they reaffirmed their commitment to establishing a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). These MPAs aim to limit or ban extractive activities like fishing and mining, which are essential for building climate resilience.

Australia is leading the charge in these efforts. The country has played a key role in advocating for MPAs in East Antarctica and the Weddell Sea. In addition, its expanded Macquarie Island Marine Park is a model of how to balance conservation with sustainable resource management.

Macquarie Island: A Model for Marine Protection

In July 2023, Australia expanded the Macquarie Island Marine Park to over 475,000 square kilometers. This nearly tripled its size and made it one of the largest marine parks in the Southern Ocean. The expansion followed a two-month public consultation process, where scientists and the public overwhelmingly supported it.

Macquarie Island, located between Tasmania and Antarctica, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is home to unique species like royal penguins and southern elephant seals. The park protects vital migration, feeding, and breeding grounds. It also shows how large-scale marine protections can coexist with sustainable fishing practices. Today, 93% of the park is a Sanctuary Zone, offering the highest level of protection. The remaining area allows responsible fishing of Patagonian toothfish, which is closely monitored by scientists.

Heard and McDonald Islands: Further Progress on the Horizon

Australia’s conservation efforts don’t stop at Macquarie Island. Plans are in motion to expand protections around the remote Heard and McDonald Islands. These islands are some of the most pristine and undisturbed ecosystems on Earth. They provide essential habitats for penguins, seals, and endangered albatrosses.

The expansion would add 300,000 square kilometers to the protected waters, bringing the total to 90%. However, marine ecologists have raised concerns. They warn that some shallow waters, crucial for fur seals and penguin breeding, remain unprotected under the current plan.

The Southern Ocean: A Global Responsibility

Protecting the Southern Ocean is a global effort. CCAMLR, founded in 1982, oversees the management of fisheries and marine conservation in the region. Over the years, it has made ambitious strides toward creating a network of MPAs. The Ross Sea MPA, established in 2016, is the largest in the world, covering 1.55 million square kilometers.

Despite progress, much work remains. Proposals for additional MPAs are under consideration, including one in East Antarctica that would cover 970,000 square kilometers. These areas would protect vital habitats for species like penguins and whales. They would also offer research zones to help scientists understand the impacts of climate change.

Looking Ahead: The Path to a Resilient Ocean

The Southern Ocean plays a critical role in regulating Earth’s climate. Protecting it is essential. MPAs help marine ecosystems recover and thrive. Their benefits stretch far beyond the protected areas themselves. With climate change accelerating and pressures from industrial fishing rising, the time to act is now.

Australia and its global partners are at the forefront of creating a network of MPAs. These efforts are a strong sign that the world is coming together to protect the Southern Ocean. By preserving this region, we ensure it remains a sanctuary for wildlife—and a symbol of hope and resilience for future generations.