Australia and the EU have been calling for a Marine Protected Area (MPA) in East Antarctic waters since 2010 but when put to a vote on Friday the proposal did not gain the necessary consensus to pass.

Rod Downie, Head of Polar Programmes at WWF said: “It is hugely disappointing that, despite almost a decade of negotiations, CCAMLR member states have once again failed to reach agreement on a new Marine Protected Area for East Antarctica.

"Following the recent catastrophic breeding failures at an Adélie penguin colony in the region, WWF and our many supporters across the world had hoped that all CCAMLR members would recognise the urgent need to protect critical feeding areas.

"As millions of people across the UK sit in front of their TV’s at home, amazed by the incredible marine life of our ‘Blue Planet’, one of its most awe-inspiring regions remains at risk in East Antarctica. The work must start now to secure a deal at next year’s meeting on meaningful and lasting protection for the home of the penguins.”