Russia will consider the United States' proposal to create a conservation zone in the Ross Sea in the Antarctic, said Alexander Savelyev, head of the Federal Fisheries Agency's public relations department, Prime reported.
The U.S. State Department said earlier this week that U.S. authorities had sent the proposal to the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources.
"Russia is prepared to consider this initiative and take part in this work," Savelyev said. He added that further research on the issue was necessary.
The initiative affects the country's economic interests, since Russian fishermen catch fish of the Dissostichus genus, which belongs to the family of cod icefishes, or nothothens, in the Ross Sea, he said.
But such catches are small, and a ban on fishing in the area would not cause much damage to fishermen, he said.
To create a conservation zone, an international treaty should be negotiated, he said.
"A treaty is not being discussed yet but, if it is proposed, Russia is ready to join it," he said. "There are currently a number of areas in the world's oceans whose status is regulated by conventions, and Russia has always participated in all these conventions."
The United States' proposal will be considered at the next meeting of the commission, which is scheduled to be held in Australia in October. Meanwhile, New Zealand has suggested authorizing fishing in a part of the Ross Sea.
Related articles:
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.