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OPINION: THE CENTRAL ARCTIC OCEAN MUST BECOME A MARINE RESERVE
DETAIL INFORMATION
The chilly wind whips up the sea and gannets dive at the UK's farthest northern tip, as viewed from the island of Muckle Flugga in Shetland.
The Shetland Islands are located farther north than the southernmost waters of the Arctic Ocean, despite the fact that biodiversity loss in the region may appear like a far-off problem. Just 380 miles (610 km) north of British seas lies the Arctic Circle; that's about the same distance by road between London and Edinburgh.
Scientists like us still don't fully understand how the fauna in the Arctic is changing. There is an urgent need for these species to have better protection.
An ocean sanctuary for species might be created by creating a new North Pole marine reserve that forbids industrial operations like shipping, oil and gas exploration, and fishing.