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If you live on this planet, you can thank Antarctica. The continent helps stabilize our climate, and its waters provide nutrients for fish around the world. It is also the only continent on Earth that is dedicated to peace and science.

But Antarctica is facing an increasing number of threats. With melting ice, warming waters, higher temperatures, and increased fishing, Antarctica and all of the creatures that live there need us more than ever.

While nations work to address climate change, we can act now to protect vital Antarctic ecosystems and deliver the largest act of ocean protection in history.

With its 26 States and the European Union, the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) has the power to establish four large Southern Ocean marine protected areas (MPAs): the East Antarctic, the Weddell Sea (Phase 1 & 2), and the Antarctic Peninsula. MPAs have been shown to vastly increase biodiversity, abundance and ecosystem health, and provide resilience to climate change.

Building on already designated MPAs, adopting these current protection proposals will protect more than 26% of the Southern Ocean (which constitutes nearly 3% of the global ocean) and deliver the largest act of ocean protection in history. This will greatly contribute to achieving the international commitment that nations made in December 2022 through the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework to protect at least 30% of the ocean by 2030 (30x30).

Leading ocean conservation organizations — including the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition, Antarctica2030, the Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy, and Only One — are coming together to advocate for action, but we need your help to protect Antarctica for future generations.

Life in Antarctica is breathtaking, but today it is under threat. · Cristina Mittermeier

Climate change is transforming the fundamentals of the Antarctic environment · John Weller

Adélie penguin chicks are struggling to survive warmer temperatures · Cristina Mittermeier

In February 2020, Antarctica hit a record-high temperature of 20.75°C (69.3°F) · John Weller

Marine protected areas can protect vulnerable species like Weddell seals · Andy Mann

Antarctica’s future is our future, we need to act now to protect it · Cristina Mittermeier

Your voice matters. Add your name to the petition urging leaders from CCAMLR member countries to act now to protect Antarctica's waters. We will deliver your signatures to them, which will show the outpour of public support for action to protect the Southern Ocean.

You can also join us in the campaign to #ProtectAntarctica by sharing this critical effort on Instagram, Facebook, and X.