A group of Adelie Penguins rest on the ice of Antactica

The Southern Ocean encircles the Antarctic continent. This polar sea is incredibly productive during the short Antarctic summer. The drifting plankton (tiny plant and animals) support squid, fish, seals, whales and birds such as albatross and penguin. Lack of ownership or international agreement concerning the exploitation of resources in this area was one reason for the dramatic declines in wildlife resources over the course of the twentieth century. International treaties now aim to regulate the use of living and mineral resources.

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Photo: James Martin Jones/WWF UK