ANTARCTIC OCEAN SANCTUARY

Motion Text

That this House urges the Government to fulfil the demands of Greenpeace UK and use its role on the Antarctic Ocean Commission to help build an 1.8 million square kilometre Antarctic Ocean Sanctuary in the continent's Weddell Sea to protect its marine life when the organisations makes its decision in 12 months' time; notes these waters not only support marine life including whales, seals and penguins, as recently shown on the BBC's Blue Planet 2, but also soak up carbon dioxide and help us to tackle climate change; is concerned that a warming climate and an expanding commercial fishing industry are threatening this undisturbed area and its iconic creatures; and expects the Government will not miss out on this rare opportunity to protect this most vital ocean.