Antarctic wildlife protection will not be derailed by global politics, science and conservation experts insist.
The reassurance comes amid fears that strained international relations such as those between Australia and Russia could hamper a meeting of scientists charged with protecting penguins and fish stocks on and around the frozen continent.
Russia and China are among 25 nations meeting in Hobart for the annual gathering of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources.
Representatives from both countries, and others including Ukraine, have previously opposed the creation of two huge marine-protected areas off the continent, arguing the zones are too large and will hurt the fishing industry.
The ocean sanctuaries are back on the agenda but the commission's secretary, Australian Andrew Wright, has warned that external politics might be at play.
"No one hangs their coat and hat up at the door; some of those issues come through," Mr Wright told reporters on Monday.
"We do expect and it is not unreasonable in a multilateral setting such as this, that there are other issues going on ... that do impact on a member's political position."
Dialogue between Australian and Russian delegations has been ongoing but has been affected by events including those in the Ukraine, he added, in reference to the MH17 tragedy.
But Australian Antarctic Division boss Tony Fleming dismissed the fears.
"That's not right ... we've had discussions with Russia and we've had very helpful discussions with other members as well," Dr Fleming said.
Countries have in the past overlooked political tension for the sake of Antarctic wellbeing, WWF spokesman Bob Zuur said.
He cited the formation of the Antarctic Treaty during the Cold War.
Up for discussion at the 10-day meeting is a combined proposal by Australia, France and the European Union for a marine-protected area off East Antarctica.
New Zealand and the United States are also proposing a protection zone of 1.3 million square kilometres in the Ross Sea.
"It is very important that we make some progress this year," Mr Wright said of the need for both proposed zones.
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