The designation of new marine protection areas in the Southern Ocean, urgently demanded by nature conservationists and environmental experts, has once again failed.

The 41st conference of the Antarctic Commission CCAMLR in Hobart, Australia ended on Friday without the hoped-for breakthrough, the Antarctic and Arctic Ocean Association (ASOC) said.

Also, no agreement was reached at the two-week meeting on stricter fishing measures, which were specifically planned with a view to the important krill.

Project fails because of Russia and China

Conservationists are increasingly frustrated that the CCAMLR commission continues to fail to take meaningful action to better protect the Southern Ocean in the face of the growing climate and biodiversity crisis, according to the ASOC, which brings together environmental organizations from 40 countries.

"There is no basis, scientific or otherwise, for a small minority of countries to delay protective action," said Asoc Chief Executive Claire Christian.

In particular, for years there have been three marine protected areas that would cover a total area of ​​almost four million square kilometers - in East Antarctica, on the Antarctic Peninsula and in the species-rich Weddell Sea.

Although 25 of the 27 members are in favor of it, the project repeatedly fails due to resistance from China and Russia.

CCAMLR decisions must be unanimous.

For large protected areas in the Southern Ocean, however, it is "five to twelve" to preserve the extraordinary Antarctic biodiversity, said Federal Minister of Agriculture Cem Özdemir (Greens) of the German Press Agency.

"The longstanding Russian blockade attitude proves once again: Russia is not interested in constructive cooperation with the international community." Moscow and Beijing are only "about the use of resources that are worth protecting." Greenpeace marine expert Franziska Saalmann emphasized: "The protection of Climate and biodiversity continue to be sacrificed for economic interests.”

Another important topic was krill fishing.

Oil and fish feed are made from the tiny crustaceans.

But the animals are now being caught on such a massive scale that it poses a threat to Antarctica - because all animals living in the area depend on krill.

CCAMLR has now agreed to scientifically study the impact of the krill fishery.

Stricter conditions were not decided.

The Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) was established in 1980.

The commission consists of 26 states and the EU.