A US environmentalist hopes the New Zealand Government will continue the fight for marine conservation in the Southern Ocean.
The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources will begin a meeting in Australia on Monday.
Environmentalist Gerald Leape of Washington DC says the commission is responsible for international treaties protecting some sea life.
New Zealand is one of 25 members.
Mr Leape represents a group advocating the protection of krill. He says New Zealand has been a key player in marine protection in southern waters.
He says the meeting will focus on assessing stocks of krill, a food source for penguins, seals and whales.
