THE head of the United States' scientific program in Antarctica isn't committing to a timeframe for an agreement to create the world's largest marine reserve.
The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), which regulates the seas around Antarctica, missed its 2012 target for creating a network of marine reserves around the entire continent.
New Zealand and the US could not agree over what areas in the Ross Sea should be included in the reserves, with conservation groups saying not enough species-rich areas were part of New Zealand's proposal.
The US National Science Foundation's polar program director Kelly Falkner dismissed a suggestion there was any bad blood over the failure.
Speaking to visiting reporters on Ross Island in Antarctica on Saturday, Dr Falkner said New Zealand and the US had since been able to thrash out their differences.
"We have the first steps of consensus between us... if we didn't work together it wouldn't bode well for the world, so I am really glad we have taken that first step because there are many more countries that we have to bring on board."
Dr Falkner would not commit to a timeframe to broker an agreement.
The next CCAMLR meeting is in Germany in July.
Meanwhile, NZ Prime Minister John Key, who visited the McMurdo Station just 3km from New Zealand's Scott Base on Saturday, praised the American efforts in Antarctica.
Mr Key was grateful the Americans had decided to stay in Christchurch, where the International Antarctic Centre is based, after the 2011 earthquake.
"We couldn't operate without the Americans. They do a lot of the heavy lifting here in Antarctica, they dedicate enormous resources. We rely on them for logistics and movements very often," he said
New Zealand's role in the deal could involve processing waste, wind farm technology and support with flights, Mr Key said.
The prime minister is still hoping to make a quick visit to the South Pole, after the weather stopped him flying there on Saturday.
It was very disappointing to miss the chance to get to the pole and see the US work on astrophysics and one of the most powerful telescopes in the world, he said.
"We haven't completely closed off the opportunity of getting there on Monday, but obviously in the lap of the gods when it comes to the weather. This is a very extreme environment, you have got to kind of expect that."
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