A proposal for the establishment of a Weddell Sea Marine Protected Area – Phase 2

The delegation of Norway proposes the establishment by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) of the Weddell Sea Marine Protected Area Phase 2. In recognition of the exceptional ecological value and scientific importance of the region, we propose to establish this MPA to conserve living marine resources, maintain ecosystem structure and function, provide potential climate refugia for cold adapted species, protect vital ecosystem processes and areas of ecological significance, and contribute to connectivity of important ecological processes locally and circumpolar. The proposed MPA includes unique and important conservation features that provide a significant contribution to a representative network of MPAs for the CCAMLR convention area.  The establishment of the Weddell Sea Marine Protected Area Phase 2 will provide increased understanding of direct and indirect impact from human activities on the marine environment and ecosystem. The MPA will include reference areas to promote scientific research important to understanding human impact and environmental change. The proposed MPA includes elements of an operational and functioning Research and Monitoring Plan that will serve a dynamic management system that can quickly respond with appropriate measures to observed changes. This proposal is consistent with Conservation Measure 91-04 (2011).