THE world’s biggest marine reserve aimed at protecting wildlife in Antarctica is set to be created after Russia dropped its long-held opposition.

    The deal was sealed by the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) at an annual meeting in Hobart after years of negotiations.

    It will see a massive U.S. and New Zealand-backed marine protected area established in the Ross Sea.

    It will cover more 600,000 square miles (1.55 million square kilometers) — roughly the size of Britain, Germany and France combined — of which 434,000 square miles will be a no-fishing zone.

    New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully said, “The proposal required some changes in order to gain the unanimous support of all 25 CCAMLR members and the final agreement balances marine protection, sustainable fishing and science interests.

    The Ross Sea is one of the last intact marine ecosystems in the world, home to penguins, seals, Antarctic toothfish, whales and huge numbers of krill, a staple food for many species.

    It is considered critical for scientists to study how marine ecosystems function and to understand the impacts of climate change on the ocean.

    Moscow was the last government opposing the move, largely due to concerns over fishing rights, after China offered its support last year.

    Moscow has signaled more commitment to conservation in recent times, designating 2017 as the Year of Ecology. It moved in August to significantly increase the size of a protected zone around Franz Josef Land in the Arctic.(SD-Agencies)