A meeting on a reserve in Antarctica's Ross Sea is looking at a smaller reserve area, but while there is progress on a deal, it is unclear whether it will be completed on time.
New Zealand and the United States want to turn 1.3 million square kilometres of the Ross Sea into a reserve, but need to convince 23 other members of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources.
Some aspects of the reserve are being sent to a drafting committee. The members can then adopt the definitions and guidelines or send them back to be rewritten.
Radio New Zealand understands a smaller-sized reserve has been sent to the committee, as has detail about which areas can be fished and catch limits.
The New Zealand delegation remains optimistic a deal can be reached by Friday night, but other members are unsure.
