A map from April 2015

East Antarctica Marine Protected Area Proposal 60° E 58.6 58.4.4a

58.5.1

58.4.4b

58.4.2 58.4.3a

58.4.3b 58.5.2 Prydz Bay

Antarctica 58.4.1

Proposed East Antarctic marine protected area Antarctic toothfish distribution Patagonian toothfish distribution CCAMLR management area Ross Shelf (0 to 1,000 m depth) Slope (1,000 to 4,000 m depth) Krill distribution

© 2015 The Pew Charitable Trusts 88.1 East Antarctica Marine Protected Area Proposal The East Antarctic ice sheet flows off the Antarctic into the surrounding Southern , surrendering to sapphire that are home to an array of marine life. Penguins, seals, Antarctic krill, and Antarctic and Patagonian toothfish, also known as Chilean sea bass, are among the many species that rely on this relatively unexplored, remote, and frigid habitat for survival.

Because this isolated area has historically been spared from fishing and research activities, scientists have predicted a richness and biodiversity of local species based on habitat characteristics. As a result of this scientific advice, , France, and the European Union have proposed that the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources set up a “representative system” of marine protected areas in the that protects unique biogeographical areas known to support biodiversity.

This approach for the design of marine protected areas is common for places where data are limited, such as the waters off East Antarctica. Consensus on these conservation measures would ensure that valuable marine habitat remains intact.

For further information, please visit: pewtrusts.org/penguins

Contact: Barbara Cvrkel, communications officer Email: [email protected] Project website: pewtrusts.org/penguins

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