Action: Protect Antarctica and the Southern Ocean

This Month's Focus: Call On CCAMLR to protect Antarctica

This month is in partnership with the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC).

The Southern Ocean encircles Antarctica, and this unique ecosystem supports a diverse range of marine wildlife, including penguins, krill, fishes, seals, whales, and other wildlife. This unique region also regulates our blue planet’s climate. To manage human activities and protect the fragile ecosystems, in 1982 the world’s leaders created the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). CCAMLR holds the authority to regulate fishing, set catch limits, and create Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the Southern Ocean. Its decisions are binding but decisions only happen by consensus. As a result, all too often exploitation is prioritized over protection.

Have 30 seconds?

Take Action: Add your name to the petition urging leaders from CCAMLR member countries to act now to strongly protect Antarctica’s waters. Sign the petition.

Your voice matters in shaping a sustainable future for our world ocean and society. 

Want to do more?

  1. Tell your friends and family: Throw an Antarctic movie night or an Antarctica theme party with penguin party hats! Draw, paint, make sculptures and write about Antarctica, and share your work with your friends and family. Then ask everyone to sign the petition, linked above!
  2. Promote a penguin-friendly diet: Start by eating more locally and focusing more on plant-based foods, which are more ‘ocean friendly’ than other foods that are carbon intensive. Support local farmers and food producers. If you choose to eat meat, try introducing one or more meat-free days each week. If you eat fish, eat local caught fish. Choose small fish, like sardines over large fish, like tuna that can be high in mercury content. Start making small changes – every little bit makes a difference!

World Ocean Day is more than a day, it's a movement.

Celebrate every day with us and take part in all 12 months of action for our blue planet!