FURTHERING IMPLEMENTATION OF NETWORKS OF MPAS IN ANTARCTICA AND THE SOUTHERN OCEAN

In this paper ASOC makes the case for CCAMLR to move swiftly to begin the process of designating networks of comprehensive, adequate and representative marine protected areas including marine reserves in the Southern Ocean. Recent progress on the global agenda to implement of marine protected areas on the high seas is discussed to inform and spur action. This process should be informed by extensive information from within CCAMLR, the Madrid Protocol and other international bodies to inform decisions on which criteria should be used to designate networks of marine protected areas with representativeness being the key criteria. The outcomes of the 2007 CCAMLR Bioregionalisation Workshop provide sufficient biogeographical framework for the process to move forward using the precautionary approach and begin designating networks of representative marine protected areas.