Protect Antarctica to Secure the Largest Act of Ocean Protection in History

If you live on this planet, you can thank Antarctica. The continent helps stabilize our climate, and its waters provide nutrients for fish around the world. It is also the only continent on Earth that is dedicated to peace and science.

But Antarctica is facing an increasing number of threats. With melting ice, warming waters, higher temperatures, and increased fishing, Antarctica and all of the creatures that live there need us more than ever.

While nations work to address climate change, we can act now to protect vital Antarctic ecosystems and deliver the largest act of ocean protection in history.

With its 26 member countries, CCAMLR, or the Commission on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, has the power to establish three large marine sanctuaries in the East Antarctic, the Weddell Sea, and the Antarctic Peninsula. 

Marine protected areas (MPAs) have been shown to vastly increase biodiversity, abundance and ecosystem health, and provide resilience to climate change. Collectively, these MPAs would protect almost 4 million square kilometers, an area the size of the entire European Union, and be the largest act of ocean protection in history!

Leading ocean conservation organizations—including the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition, Antarctica2020, the Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy, and Only One—are coming together to advocate for action, but we need your help to protect Antarctica for future generations.

Your voice matters. Add your name to the petition urging leaders from CCAMLR member countries to act now to protect Antarctica. We will deliver your signatures to them, which will show the outpour of public support for action to protect Antarctica’s precious waters. 

You can also join us in the campaign to #ProtectAntarctica by sharing this critical effort on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.