New Zealand is about to try for a fourth time to get Antarctica's Ross Sea turned into the world's largest marine reserve.
If the attempt is successful 1.32 square kilometres of ocean will be protected.
New Zealand is to try for a fourth time to get Antarctica's Ross Sea turned into the world's largest marine reserve. Photo: SCIENCE PHOTO
For a reserve to be created, all 25 members of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources have to agree to it.
But Russia and Ukraine have opposed the past three attempts.
They are concerned about the size of the reserve and also about proposed fishing restrictions. At a meeting of the Commission in Tasmania this week, New Zealand will again try to change their minds.
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade said support for the proposal is continuing to grow, but it remains difficult to get a resolution.