What's happened
China and Russia have vetoed new marine parks and eased krill fishing restrictions in Antarctica, undermining conservation efforts. This follows alarming reports of whale deaths linked to krill fishing, raising concerns about ecological impacts in the Southern Ocean. The situation highlights geopolitical tensions and the challenges of protecting vulnerable marine ecosystems.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, China and Russia's actions at the CCAMLR meeting represent a significant setback for conservation efforts, with Dr. Tony Press stating that the precautionary principle has 'gone backwards.' The Independent highlights the alarming rise in krill fishing, which has surged from 104,728 metric tons in 2007 to 498,000 metric tons in 2023, raising concerns about the ecological balance in the Southern Ocean. Furthermore, reports of whale deaths linked to krill fishing practices underscore the urgent need for stricter regulations, as noted by the Associated Press. The situation calls for a coordinated international response to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems.
How we got here
Recent negotiations among 26 nations at the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) revealed a push by China and Russia to weaken environmental protections in Antarctica. This comes amid rising concerns over the ecological impact of krill fishing, which is crucial for the region's marine life.
Common question
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Why Did China and Russia Veto Antarctic Protections?
The recent veto by China and Russia against new marine parks and krill fishing restrictions in Antarctica has raised significant concerns about the future of conservation efforts in the region. This decision not only highlights geopolitical tensions but also poses serious ecological risks. Below, we explore the implications of this veto and related questions about the environmental impact and conservation strategies.
More on these topics
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Antarctica is Earth's southernmost continent. It contains the geographic South Pole and is situated in the Antarctic region of the Southern Hemisphere, almost entirely south of the Antarctic Circle, and is surrounded by the Southern Ocean.
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China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.4 billion in 2019.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in