The largest marine park in the world has been created by 24 countries and the European Union, covering 1.5 million square kilometers of ocean, which is known as the Ross Sea in the Antarctic Ocean. Russia has finally agreed to this conservation proposal after five previous attempts.

Like Us on Facebook

After a meeting of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, officials decided to ban commercial fishing in the Ross Sea marine park for 35 years. 

The commission is composed of 25 member states including the EU, the United States, China, and Russia, which are all required to provide unanimous support for decisions.

Scientists and biologists consider the Ross Sea as one of the most diverse ocean ecosystems on the planet.

 The Ross Sea is located in the Antarctic's Southern Ocean, covering almost more than 12 percent of it. Some 10,000 species of marine life are found there including whales, giant squids, penguins, and seabirds.

All commercial fishing has been prohibited within 1.1 million square kilometers of the Ross Sea. However, there will be places assigned as the reserve's research zones where the fishing of krill and some species of sawfish is allowed.

Scientists and environmental groups also agreed to this milestone agreement as part of global efforts to preserve marine diversity in the Antarctic.

According to United States Secretary of State, John Kerry, the Ross Sea Region Marine Protected Area is one of the last unspoiled ocean wilderness in the world and is home to a thriving biodiversity of seals, seabirds, penguins, fishes, and whales.

This marine park not only serves as a protected home for diverse marine species in the world, but it can also provide a better understanding of the effects of global warming and climate change.