The Antarctic Ocean Alliance, a newly formed organisation whose membership includes such environmental campaigners as Greenpeace and Mission Blue, has called for the establishment of the world's largest marine reserve network around Antarctica.
The alliance made the call yesterday in Hobart, directing its message at the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, which is also meeting in Hobart later this week.
FREEZE FRAME: More images from Antarctica's Ross Sea
Alliance coordinator Steve Campbell said the proposed marine reserve would strengthen protections already granted to the world's coldest and most remote continent.
''While still one of the most pristine environments left in the world, the ocean around Antarctica is fast attracting industrial fishing interests, particularly for long-lived toothfish and krill, which could have devastating impacts,'' he said.
The organisation presented a map outlining key areas it would like to see protected, including the Ross Sea, Antarctic Peninsula and Weddell Sea.
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