Our Story
For over 45 years, the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition has been a steadfast advocate for the protection of the Antarctic and Southern Ocean ecosystems. Founded in 1978 by conservationist James Barnes, ASOC emerged in response to secret negotiations for mineral and gas prospecting in Antarctica. This coalition has played a pivotal role in shaping significant environmental protections, including the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty and the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources.