S.Georgia : South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Marine Protected Area One of the the World’s Largest
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 27.02.2012 (Article Archived on 12.03.2012)
The Government of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) has established a large sustainable Marine Protected Area (MPA) covering over 1 million km2 of the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands (SGSSI) Maritime Zone by signing relevant legislation on Monday afternoon at 1400hrs.
Photo (c) J. Brock (FINN)
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Marine
Protected Area One of the the World’s Largest
J. Brock (FINN)
By 
His Honour the Commissioner of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands signs legislation establishing the zone. Dr Martin Collins, Deputy Commissioner and Director of Fisheries looks on. Photo (c) J. Brock (FINN)
The Government of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) has established a large sustainable Marine Protected Area (MPA) covering over 1 million km2 of the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands (SGSSI) Maritime Zone by signing relevant legislation on Monday afternoon at 1400hrs..
As part of a long-term management and conservation strategy for the Territory, today’s enacted legislation establishes in law one of the largest areas of sustainably managed ocean in the world.
Nigel Haywood, Commissioner for South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, who formally signed the legislation, stated:
“The waters around South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands are among the most productive in the Southern Ocean, with very high biodiversity. We remain committed to the highest standards of environmental management in this unique and globally important UK Overseas Territory.”
Today’s MPA announcement represents a hugely significant step in the management of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. “We will not rest on our laurels and will continually strive to improve our already excellent management of the Territory,” Nigel Haywood said.
Dr Martin Collins, Chief Executive of the Government of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands and its Director of Fisheries said:
“South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands are remarkable places, supporting an amazing density of wildlife. Establishing the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands MPA is a key part of our long-term stewardship of the islands’
It had been planned to sign the legislation in December 2011 but was delayed in order to get this it right,” said Nigel Haywood.
The zone also will have provision for protection for a lot more than fish, so watch this space. More later.
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