Antarctic sanctuary talks fail
Talks on creating Antarctic marine sanctuaries fail as Russia raises objections
BREMERHAVEN, Germany (AP) -- The countries regulating Antarctic fishing have failed to agree on proposals to create giant marine sanctuaries in the continent's oceans after Russia raised objections.
The chair of the group deliberating the results, Terje Lobach, said talks in the German city of Bremerhaven ended with no result on Tuesday — the second time in less than a year that negotiations have stalled.
Two plans were on the table: a proposal to protect the Ross Sea and a plan for a sanctuary covering several areas of the Southern Ocean in the eastern hemisphere.
Activists blamed Russia for the failure, saying it questioned whether there is a legal basis for the 24-nation Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources to create the reserves.
