Prime Minister John Key says New Zealand and the United States are working on a new plan for a proposed marine sanctuary in the Ross Sea in Antarctica.
A joint bid for a 2.3 million sq km sanctuary was scuttled by Russia in July and a new plan by the two countries is expected to be presented at further talks in Tasmania next month.
Mr Key says the Government is keen to see changes to protect the environment in the Ross Sea but the plan is still a work in progress.
He says the Government believes the fishing industry can be maintained while protecting Antarctica's pristine environment.
A supporter of the sanctuary, Geoff Keey from the Antarctic Ocean Alliance, fears however it could be a watered down proposal.
