Phil Heatly Letter

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Letter to Minister *	I am writing to ask for your support in protecting the Ross Sea, Antarctica, the most pristine marine ecosystem on Earth (1). The Ross Sea is the most biologically productive marine habitat in the Southern Ocean, and home to many rare and unique animals. The ecosystem is important as a living laboratory for scientists to understand how a healthy marine ecosystem functions. The natural balance of the Ross Sea ecosystem is now under threat from commercial fishing. Since 1996 The New Zealand Government has endorsed fishing for Antarctic toothfish in the Ross Sea, despite little being known about the lifecycle of toothfish or the impact that fishing could have on the ecosystem. The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) has made a commitment to designate a network of Marine Protected Areas around Antarctica by 2012. The Ross Sea has already been identified by CCAMLR as warranting protection; the proposal now requires support from key nations. As the nearest neighbour to the Ross Sea, New Zealand has strong historical ties and a responsibility to care for this special part of the world. I urge you, in your official capacity, to support the protection of the Ross Sea ecosystem by endorsing the establishment of a comprehensive Marine Protected Area that includes the entire Ross Sea continental shelf and slope. Yours sincerely,
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