In 2016, nations created the world's largest marine reserve in Antarctica

In October 2016, 24 CCAMLR member states and the EU agreed by consensus to create the Ross Sea Region Marine Protected Area, covering over 2 million square kilometers.

The reserve protects a productive marine ecosystem, including Adélie and emperor penguins, Ross Sea killer whales, seals, fish, and phytoplankton blooms that absorb carbon dioxide.

The agreement came into force on 1 December 2017 and will remain in place for 35 years unless renewed.