US and China to discuss protected sea area in Antarctica

Ocean conservation will be discussed in meetings this week between government officials from the United States and China. According to a White House statement, the two nations intend to pursue active cooperation on polar and ocean matters, including projects related to ocean conservation and expanding joint polar research efforts.

They will also work together on a proposal to establish a Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Antarctica’s Ross Sea, and to share best practices to reduce the flow of debris into the ocean.

(copyright WDC/Rob Lott)