Conservation groups are angry an international conference has failed to agree on new marine reserves around Antarctica.

About 250 delegates representing 25 countries have been locked in talks at the meeting of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources.

Australia wanted 1.1 million square kilometres of Antarctica protected. France and the European Union had backed the proposal.

After 11 days of intense talks, the meeting was dogged by conflicting demands, among them China's concern over restrictions to ocean resources.

The Antarctic Ocean Alliance (AOA) and the World Wildlife Fund say they are disappointed a consensus could not be reached.

AOA campaign manager Steve Campbell says the failure to find consensus could impact on climate change research, sustainable fishing and marine wildlife.

"It's nearly 10,000 species. It's one of the last wild places," he said.

Mr Campbell says protestors will continue to push for reserves.

"We have over 1.2 million people around the world who have taken action against this campaign," he said.

"We'll be making sure that they hear our voices loud and clear."

Campaigner Blair Palese says the pristine area should have been protected.

"We just didn't get that and I think the frustration is what will it take if we can't protect some of these most beautiful and really difficult to get to areas," he said.

"How hard can it be to protect these areas in the ocean?

"We'd like to see it get up to show not only can it be done but it makes good environmental and scientific sense."

The proposal will be discussed again at a meeting in Germany next July.