A proposal for the establishment of a Ross Sea Region Marine Protected Area

The delegations of New Zealand and the United States propose the establishment by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (Commission or CCAMLR) of a marine protected area (MPA) in the Ross Sea Region (“Ross Sea Region Marine Protected Area”).  In recognition of the exceptional ecological value and scientific importance of the Ross Sea Region, our delegations propose to establish this MPA to conserve living marine resources; maintain ecosystem structure and function; protect vital ecosystem processes and areas of ecological significance; and establish reference areas that will promote scientific research.  This proposal is consistent with Conservation Measure 91-04 (2011) and the scientific conclusions and processes, reviewed by the Scientific Committee, from which the United States and New Zealand developed their original MPA scenarios for the Ross Sea Region.  This proposal was last submitted to CCAMLR as CCAMLR-XXXI/16 Rev. 1 on October 29, 2012, during the 31st Meeting of the Commission.  Except where noted in strikethrough/bold, the text of the proposed Conservation Measure is the same as that submitted on October 29, 2012.  The delegations of New Zealand and the United States appreciate the many comments received from other Members on proposals for a Ross Sea Region MPA, including at CCAMLR XXX, XXXI and intersessionally.  We look forward to working together with Members in Bremerhaven to achieve consensus to establish this MPA.