ASOC
Our Mission
To continue to protect the vulnerable ecosystems of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean by providing a unified voice for Antarctic conservation.
Antarctica
learning
Antarctica is the common heritage of all of humanity: a continent that belongs to us all.
Dive in and discover the wonders of Antarctica, and why its protection is so vital.
About ASOC
Explore our work
Who we are
Meet our international team of staff, campaigners, coalition members, and supporters.
What we do
We work at the highest levels of Antarctic governance to protect Antarctica for all of humanity.
Why we do it
Antarctica is the natural heritage of all humankind. It’s up to us to protect it.
Our Story
We have been successfully advocating for stronger Antarctic protections since 1978.
“Antarctica is the world’s last great wilderness. We have a unique opportunity to prevent some of the widespread environmental problems that have occurred elsewhere and chart a new course for our relationship with nature – one where we safeguard ourselves by safeguarding the natural systems that make life on earth possible.”
Claire Christian, Executive Director
We’d be lost without
Our Incredible Partners
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From the ASOC Feed
Why #ProtectAntarctica? Nina Gallo, an ASOC team member, emphasizes that safeguarding Antarctica is essential for preserving the entire planet. 🌏️
If Antarctic Animals Were Olympians, Which Sports Would They Compete In? 🇦🇶
Antarctica is the only continent not represented by Olympic athletes. However, if adapting to and surviving in some of the toughest physical conditions on Earth earned gold medals, the animals of Antarctica would be champions. 🏅🏅🏅
This #MPADay, we celebrate the Ross Sea Region Marine Protected Area, the largest marine park on the planet. Established in 2016, it spans over 600,000 square miles (1.55 million square kilometers) of pristine polar wilderness, safeguarding a unique ecosystem teeming with biodiversity. Home to species like the Antarctic toothfish, Weddell seals, and emperor penguins, this MPA is one of only two designated by CCAMLR. Today serves as a reminder that CCAMLR has agreed to develop a representative system of Marine Protected Areas in Antarctica, and the time to #ProtectAntarctica is now!
ASOC participated in the CCAMLR Harmonization Symposium in South Korea! We had productive discussions and are eager to continue conversations about advancing the Domain 1 MPA designation at CCAMLR in October.