miles with part being a no fishing zone

The world's biggest marine reserve aimed at protecting wildlife in Antarctica will is set to be created after Russia dropped its long-held opposition.

The deal was sealed by the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) at an annual meeting in Hobart after years of negotiations.

It will see a massive US and New Zealand-backed marine protected area established in the Ross Sea.

The world's biggest marine reserve aimed at protecting wildlife in Antarctica will is set to be created after Russia dropped its long-held opposition. Pictured are penguins in the Antarctic

It will cover more 600,000 square miles -roughly the size of Britain, Germany and France combined - of which 434,000 square miles will be a no fishing zone.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully said: '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.

'The boundaries of the MPA, however, remain unchanged.'

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.

The deal will see a massive US and New Zealand-backed marine protected area established in the Ross Sea

Evan Bloom, head of the US delegation at the meeting told AFP: 'We had a lot of talks with them.

'Secretary (John) Kerry reached out to Russian President (Vladimir) Putin and (Foreign Minister Sergei) Lavrov and I think that helped a great deal to convince Russia to come on board.

'This decision is very important not just for the Antarctic but for efforts to promote world marine conservation.'

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

The Ross Sea is named after British explorer Sir James Ross and his great, great, great granddaughter Phillipa Ross said the family was thrilled it was safeguarded

It moved in August to significantly increase the size of a protected zone around Franz Josef Land in the Arctic.

The Ross Sea is named after British explorer Sir James Ross and his great, great, great granddaughter Phillipa Ross said the family was thrilled it was safeguarded.

She explained: 'The Ross family are euphoric that our family legacy has been honoured in the 175th anniversary year since James first discovered the Ross Sea, thanks to the individuals and organisations who have poured their hearts and souls into campaigning for its protection.