Deal struck for world's biggest marine reserve in Antarctica

A "momentous" agreement was reached Friday, opening the doors for the world's largest marine reserve aimed at protecting the pristine wilderness of Antarctica, to be created, with Russia dropping its long-held opposition.

The deal, sealed by the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) at an annual meeting in Hobart after years of negotiations, will see a massive US and New Zealand-backed marine protected area established in the Ross Sea.

The reserve will cover more than 1.55 million square kilometres of which 1.12 million square kilometres will be a no fishing zone.

"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," New Zealand foreign minister Murray McCully said.

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 signalled more commitment to conservation in recent times, designating 2017 as the Year of Ecology.