EU proposal for spatial protection of marine habitats and communities following ice shelf retreat or collapse in Subarea 88.3, Subarea 48.1 and Subarea 48.5

This paper introduces a draft Conservation Measure for the designation of Marine Protected Areas for the protection of habitats and communities under ice shelves, glaciers and ice tongues. Adoption of this Conservation Measure would provide for the precautionary protection of new habitats after ice shelves collapse, and for protecting the establishment of new biodiversity as it develops in these areas. The draft Conservation Measure includes relevant management provisions and outline research and monitoring provisions, allowing for more detailed plans to be developed following the actual retreat or collapse of an ice shelf in the future.