Standing Committee on Antarctica and the Southern Ocean

On 29 October the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee released a report on Australia’s future activities and responsibilities in Southern Ocean and Antarctic waters.

The Committee made 19 recommendations, including:

  • Researching the impact of changes in the Southern Ocean on the Australian and global climate remains a strategic priority in Australia’s future planning and resourcing of scientific research.
  • Australia continues its advocacy for the establishment of new Marine Protected Areas in the waters of East Antarctica through the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources.
  • The government reaffirms the primacy of the Antarctic Treaty System to Australia’s sovereignty and national interests, and continues to support and resource Australia’s robust engagement in Antarctic Treaty processes and fora in the pursuit and promotion of those interests.
  • Australia commits to re-commencing maritime patrolling in the Southern Ocean.

The full report can be found on the Parliament of Australia website.

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