The Last Ocean Project
The Ross Sea is in Danger
The Ross Sea, Antarctica, is the last pristine open-ocean marine ecosystem on earth.
A jigsaw puzzle of floating ice extends to the horizon in all directions, punctuated by floating mountains of blue ice that saw at the sky like jagged teeth. It is a desert of ice, subjected to 6 months of solid night, 200 kph winds, and temperatures of -40°C.
It is also filled with life.
It is threatened by industrial fishing targeting a key predatory fish in the Ross Sea – the Antarctic toothfish, which is sold as Chilean sea bass.
The industry maintains that the fishing pressure has not yet caused irreparable harm to the ecosystem. However, reports indicate that in just 12 years, the fishing already has had a dramatic impact in the southern Ross Sea. The Ross Sea ecosystem, the last healthy open-ocean ecosystem left on earth, is in imminent danger.
Led by a team comprised of Dr. David Ainley, John Weller, and Peter Young, The Last Ocean aims to raise awareness of the Ross Sea and promote the establishment of a Ross Sea marine protected area.
Please learn more about the Ross Sea, The Last Ocean Project, and how you can join in the effort to protect the Ross Sea.
