156,144 signed. Let’s get to 200K.

Call on world leaders to protect Antarctica and deliver the largest act of ocean protection in history

We urge you to realize your commitment to protecting the Southern Ocean by creating three vital marine protected areas in Antarctica in 2020.

This year, we can secure the largest act of ocean protection in history.

2020 marks the 200th anniversary of the discovery of Antarctica. It is also the year when the highest temperatures ever were recorded on the continent. With melting ice, warming waters, and increased fishing, all of the creatures that live there need us more than ever. But we need Antarctica just as much. This vast icy continent is critical to stabilizing our climate, and it circulates vital ocean nutrients that sustain fish populations, and humans, all over the world.

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If we can’t protect perhaps the most beautiful, most raw place on our planet, can we protect ourselves? Together, we can change the future for Antarctica and for humanity.
Paul Nicklen
Co-founder, SeaLegacy
Life in Antarctica is breathtaking, but today it is under threat. · Paul Nicklen
Climate change is transforming the fundamentals of the Antarctic environment · John Weller
Adélie penguin chicks are struggling to survive warmer temperatures · Cristina Mittermeier
In February 2020, Antarctica hit a record-high temperature of 20.75°C (69.3°F) · John Weller
Marine protected areas can protect vulnerable species like Weddell seals · Andy Mann
Chinstrap penguins rely on the rapidly vanishing ice for their survival · Paul Nicklen
Antarctica’s future is our future, we need to act now to protect it · Cristina Mittermeier
While nations work to address climate change, we can act now to secure the creation of three vast marine sanctuaries in the Southern Ocean.

This October, delegations are considering three new marine protected areas (MPAs) at the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) meeting. Together, the East Antarctica, Antarctic Peninsula, and Weddell Sea MPAs would protect almost 1 percent of the ocean globally by covering approximately four million square kilometers and represent the largest act of ocean protection in history.

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Think of the legacy, scientific, awe, beauty, and biodiversity values that the Antarctic holds. Let’s muster the courage to protect it together.
Rashid Sumaila
Ocean & fisheries economics expert
At a time when vital Antarctic ecosystems are being impacted by a warming planet, continued inaction is not an option.

What happens on and around this remote continent will impact communities across the world, especially those already disproportionately suffering from the devastating consequences of climate change and rising sea levels, such as coastal communities and small island nations. Leading ocean conservation organizations—including the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition, Antarctica 2020, Ocean Unite, Only One, The Pew Charitable Trusts, and SeaLegacy—are coming together to advocate for action this year, and we need your help. Join us in celebrating the 200th anniversary of the discovery of Antarctica by protecting it for future generations.

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Now, more than ever, we must come together as one voice to treasure this magnificent place and fight for its protection.
Ashlan & Philippe Cousteau
Explorers, ocean advocates & filmmakers
Add your name to the petition below urging world leaders to protect Antarctica’s waters, and help build momentum by sharing the campaign on Facebook and Twitter with #ANTARCTICA2020
156,144 signed. Let’s get to 200K.

Call on world leaders to protect Antarctica and deliver the largest act of ocean protection in history

We urge you to realize your commitment to protecting the Southern Ocean by creating three vital marine protected areas in Antarctica in 2020.

Share this campaign