The recent news has highlighted India’s amplified efforts in supporting the protection of the Antarctic environment. Further, India has also co-sponsored a proposal by the European Union to designate East Antarctica and the Weddell Sea as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Given these developments, it’s essential to understand the crucial details of marine protection, the existing protections in Antarctica, and why additional MPAs are urgently required.
About Marine Protected Areas
Simply put, a Marine Protected Area (MPA) safeguards either all or particular parts of its natural resources. Activities within an MPA are predominantly restricted or completely banned to fulfill specific conservation, habitat protection, ecosystem monitoring, or fisheries management objectives. However, MPAs do not necessarily eliminate fishing, research, or other human activities. The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) has established a framework outlining the goals and requirements for setting up MPAs.
Current MPAs in Antarctica
As of now, only 5% of the Southern Ocean, also known as the Antarctic Ocean, is protected. These protections were established in the South Orkney Islands in 2009 and the Ross Sea region in 2016. An additional three proposals are being considered for East Antarctica, the Weddell Sea, and the Antarctic Peninsula. These proposals are guided by principles of conservation and sustainable utilization, and align with global cooperation frameworks like Sustainable Development Goals, UN Decade of Oceans, Convention on Biodiversity, and more. India has also signed these agreements or conventions and has urged CCAMLR member countries to keep India involved in the formulation and implementation of future MPAs.
The Need for Additional MPAs
The health of the Southern Ocean is primarily impacted by changes in the ocean itself – ocean acidification, changes in sea-ice concentration, and weather events triggered by climate change. These changes adversely affect the Antarctic region’s marine ecosystem and species. The threat of new invasive species in the Southern Ocean is increasing due to these impacts, and endemic marine species like penguins are experiencing unprecedented die-offs. Glacial melting in Antarctica, such as the Thwaites Glacier, has rapidly increased. Studies suggest that MPAs can help vulnerable ecosystems build resilience to climate change by eliminating additional stresses like fishing.
About CCAMLR
CCAMLR, established in 1982, is a response to concerns about unregulated increases in krill catches in the Southern Ocean, which could harm Antarctic marine ecosystems and the species dependent on krill for food. A distinctive feature of CCAMLR is its ecosystem approach to conservation, requiring that ecosystem effects be considered while managing marine resource harvesting.
India’s Antarctic Missions
India is amplifying its infrastructure development in Antarctica. The newest base commissioned in 2015 is Bharati, and the second station, Maitri, is being rebuilt to expand its size and lifespan. The first Indian base established in 1984, Dakshin Gangotri, has weakened and now serves mainly as a supply base.
The Antarctic Treaty System
Several agreements constitute the Antarctic Treaty System, including the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (Madrid, 1991), the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (CCAS, London, 1972), and the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR, Canberra, 1980).
