Help protect Antarctic krill
Antarctic krill are a tiny crustacean with an enormous impact on the health of our Southern Ocean and therefore global oceans – threats to krill populations are threats to the planet.
Right now, krill are facing severe threats from concentrated fishing and a warming planet – and we must act to protect this vital species.
Soon, the 26 nations who manage Antarctica via the Antarctic Treaty will descend on Tasmania for their first in-person meeting in two years! There are many key items on the agenda, including progressing the proposed Antarctic marine parks, but one of the most important this year is krill.
It’s crucial the Antarctic Treaty nations support strong, science-based conservation measures to manage krill populations. But to get strong protections over the line, we’ll need Australia to take the lead.
So please join us in asking Environment Minister Plibersek to do all she can to support krill conservation during this year’s Antarctic meeting!
Read the letter text
Australia has a proud legacy in Antarctica’s history: from its role in the ground-breaking 1959 Antarctic Treaty, to the mighty diplomatic feat by Australia and France that led to the ban on mining in the Antarctic 30 years ago.
This year, during the 41st annual Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) meeting, it’s important Australia shows global leadership and helps determine the future of the Antarctic once again.
Our country’s leadership will be essential to continue to drive the diplomatic push for Antarctic conservation at the highest levels in the lead up to the meeting.
I urge you to support and build international consensus for krill Conservation Measure 51-07, which divides the catch of krill into four sub-areas around the Antarctic Peninsula and Scotia Sea region. Due to the impacts of climate change and concentrated fishing on krill and their predators, CCAMLR has been working to replace 51-07 with an improved measure that would avoid such impacts.
I also ask you to continue to do all you can to get the proposed East Antarctic, Weddell Sea and the Antarctic Peninsula marine parks over the line. These three proposed marine parks, two of which are co-sponsored by Australia, are urgently needed to protect our vulnerable marine life from industrial fishing and to help keep this incredible ecosystem fighting fit in the face of climate change.
Australia changed the fate of the Antarctic once before – from a potential mega mine to a ‘natural reserve, devoted to peace and science.’ Now, with your leadership, we must get this crucial protection in place.
Yours sincerely
Krill are a tiny crustacean with an enormous impact on the health of our Southern Ocean and therefore global oceans – threats to krill populations are threats to the planet. Add your name and help protect this critical animal.