Antarctic marine life conference

Press, 8 May 1980, Page 6

Antarctic marine life conference

NZPA Canberra Representatives of 13 nations began a two-week conference in Canberra today to conclude a convention on . the conservation of Antarctic marine life. The Australian' Government immediately renewed its bid to have the headquarters of the proposed conservation commission based in Australia. Opening the conference, the Minister of Science .and the Environment (Mr David Thomson) said he believed tlu most appropriate location would be in Hobart where the Government had already decided to establish a marine oceanographic research centre. The Prime Minister (Mr Fraser) said: “Australia’s decision to propose Hobart . . . reflects the Commonwealth’s determination to promote Tasmania’s preeminence in fields of study and research relating to Antarctic and marine matters.” ■ The 13 nations attending;

i the conference are Australia, Argentina, Belgium, Chile, France, Japan, New Zealand, . Norway, Poland, South Africa, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States. All 13 nations are signatories to the Antarctic Treaty which was negotiated at a conference in Washington in 1959 a d came into effect in 1961. Each of the 13 nations expressed their willingness at the opening to instigate a conservation .ode at the earliest possible oppo-rtunity. The first day saw the Russians, Americans,- and British together at the same table, with the East and West Germans who are not treaty nations seated side by side. The conference has drawn written protests from international conservation groups, but a planned demonstration outside the meeting today did not eventuate. The conservation groups are protesting against being refused observer status to > attend the conference