How will Beijing's proposed marine protected area affect commercial krill harvesting in East Antarctica?
China's MPA proposal sets seasonal limits on krill fishing in East Antarctica China has proposed a new 127,000km² Marine Protected Area (MPA) in East Antarctica’s “Cosmonauts Sea.” This proposal dictates that while the area is protected, commercial krill fishing would still be allowed, but only for specific, limited periods each year. These seasonal windows include roughly six weeks in one zone, two months in another, and two months in the coastal zone, as detailed in the Chinese delegation's documents.
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Beijing proposed a new 127,000km² marine protected area (MPA) in East Antarctica’s “Cosmonauts Sea”. This proposal, which includes draft changes to the Southern Ocean’s marine park rulebook, is being reviewed at the 45th meeting of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources in Hobart. The MPA would allow commercial krill fishing for seasonal periods, such as six weeks in one zone and two months in another.
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China submitted documents outlining a plan for a new 127,000km² marine protected area (MPA) in East Antarctica’s Soviet-named “Cosmonauts Sea”.
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- dailymaverick.co.za Oct 2
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part of Antarctica that lies within the Eastern Hemisphere
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The proposed MPA would allow commercial krill fishing for specific, limited periods each year, including roughly six weeks in one zone, two months in another, and two months in the coastal zone. This seasonal protection is intended to conserve krill feeding areas.
1 report connects these two. Brind only summarizes; follow a link to read the reporting itself.
- dailymaverick.co.za Oct 2
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company in Kunovice, Czechia
Everything about Krill
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The facts so far
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- China proposed a new 127,000km² marine protected area (MPA) in East Antarctica’s “Cosmonauts Sea”.dailymaverick.co.za
- The proposed MPA would allow commercial krill fishing for roughly six weeks in one zone, two months in another, and two months in the coastal zone.dailymaverick.co.za
- The MPA proposal is due to be considered at the 45th closed-door meeting of the commission in Hobart, Tasmania, from 19 to 30 October.dailymaverick.co.za
Why it matters
The proposed MPA represents a significant attempt by China to influence the rules of Antarctic marine protection, which is a highly contentious geopolitical issue. The proposal is part of a broader effort by Beijing to shape ocean governance, potentially challenging the influence of Euro-Western claimant states in the region.
The rules governing Antarctic MPAs are critical for the long-term sustainability of marine resources like krill. The proposal, which allows for seasonal fishing, could set a precedent for how conservation measures are implemented in the Southern Ocean, potentially impacting other existing MPA proposals currently under review.
What we don't know yet
- Will the 27-member commission agree to the proposed changes to the MPA rulebook?
- Will the proposal be considered on its merits, or will geopolitical factors influence its adoption?
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- dailymaverick.co.zaOct 2
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