Petition

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

299,793 signatures. Let’s get to 315K

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 States and the European Union, the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) has the power to establish four large Southern Ocean marine protected areas (MPAs): the East Antarctic, the Weddell Sea (Phase 1 & 2), and the Antarctic Peninsula. MPAs have been shown to vastly increase biodiversity, abundance and ecosystem health, and provide resilience to climate change.

Building on already designated MPAs, adopting these current protection proposals will protect more than 26% of the Southern Ocean (which constitutes nearly 3% of the global ocean) and deliver the largest act of ocean protection in history. This will greatly contribute to achieving the international commitment that nations made in December 2022 through the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework to protect at least 30% of the ocean by 2030 (30x30). 

Leading ocean conservation organizations — including the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition, Antarctica2030, 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.

Life in Antarctica is breathtaking, but today it is under threat. · Cristina Mittermeier
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
Antarctica’s future is our future, we need to act now to protect it · Cristina Mittermeier

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

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

Supporters
Cynthia E

I want to protect our oceans.

1 day ago
David M

Protecting the oceans & rivers is crucial for planet health.

3 days ago
Dyan d

As a penguin expert, I'm extremely concerned about the environmental changes being seen in the Antarctic region. Having witnessed many of these change…

1 week ago
Francois B

Antarctica is important for science because of its profound effect on the Earth's climate and ocean systems.

2 weeks ago
Jean-Luc S

its essential to protect the base of the food chain, krill and other species that support such high biomass of life.

2 weeks ago
Doris V

Our seas must be protected and the life in them. The most pristine, must remain so, save Antarctica from Climate Change, Industrial Fishing and Energy…

2 weeks ago
Ayzada А

Защитите Антарктиду, чтобы обеспечить крупнейший акт защиты океана в истории

1 month ago
Janina C

This is important and we need to take action for our oceans.

1 month ago
Julie V

IM SIGNING BECAUSE WE R GONNA DIE IF WE DONT PROTECT OUR WRLD

3 months ago
Sandra H

I care

3 months ago
Jennifer B

we need change

3 months ago
Jeremy H

Parts of Antarctica are some of the few places on Earth that have not yet been badly damaged by the human race.

3 months ago
Courtney C

The whole world needs more Marine Protected Areas and Antarctica is no different. Despite the seemingly frigid wasteland, the waters around this conti…

3 months ago
Jan S

Time to pay attention & help right our wrongs!

3 months ago
Andréa V

precisamos proteger a natureza, os ecossistemas

4 months ago
Ivan I

I believe it's the right thing to do

4 months ago
Stephanie M

common sense

4 months ago
Ulf S

Please, leave the Antarctic waters alone and let the thrive without human impact!

4 months ago
Ivan P

it's only right to do so

4 months ago
Precious S

As I am only 14 years old, I have the right to use my voice and say that: I want a future for me, my baby brother, and my future family. With every da…

5 months ago
Precious Gwenette S

As I am only 14 years old, I have the right to use my voice and say that: I want a future for me, my baby brother, and my future family. With every da…

5 months ago
Justin T

protect Antarctica

5 months ago
Poyet D

j'aime la faune et la flore

5 months ago
Maura H

I went to Antarctica in January and it is apparent that the seas are the wild west and seas and sea life need protection from rampant, often illegal,…

5 months ago
Michael

without a healthy antarctic our earth will unhealthy as well

5 months ago
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