CCAMLR

A three-year tagging experiment was initiated by the UK in 2008/09 fishing season with the aims of providing the data required for assessments of the population structure, size, movement and growth of both Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) and Antarctic tooth (Dissostichus mawsoni) in South of Statistical Subarea 48.4. This paper presents the results for D. mawsoni.

Fishing effort within the south of Subarea 48.4 was relatively evenly spread between each participating fishing vessel between 2008/09 and 2009/10, but the spatial coverage of fishing effort was reduced in 2010/11 due to reduced catches and catch rates during the season. Standardised CPUE trends indicated a slight decline in catch rates over the three year study, more so between 2010 and 2011.

A total of 476 D. mawsoni have been tagged and released during between 2008/09 and 2010/11.  Tag data show 56% of recaptured fish remain within only 10 km of the area of first capture. Results of the mark-recapture experiment to date indicated that mean estimates of vulnerable biomass for D. mawsoni were similar across recapture years 2010 and 2011, at ~600t.

The exploratory longline fisheries in Divisions 58.4.1 and 58.4.2 (primarily targeting D. mawsoni) have been operating since 2003. Formal stock assessments have yet to be developed for these fisheries. Analyses of C2 catch rate and mean weight data from 2484 longline hauls conducted between 2003 and 2011 enabled the development of generalised additive mixed models that were then used to make predictions of catch rate and mean weight across fishable depths in both Divisions. Catch rates across the region are low compared to those in other Dissostichus fisheries within the Convention Area, with most locations within fishable depths predicted to have catch rate of less than 100 kg per 1000 hooks. The region around Prydz Bay is predicted have the highest catch rate of D. mawsoni and is also shown to be an important area for pre-adult D. mawsoni. Development of similar models to analyse fishery potential and population structure in other exploratory fisheries is recommended.

Large fluctuations in abundance are a persistent feature of the populations of mackerel icefish (Champsocephalus gunnari) in the waters adjacent to Heard Island and the McDonald Islands in CCAMLR Statistical Division 58.5.2. The current decision rules for setting catch limits for icefish theoretically allow some commercial fishing to occur on icefish stocks when stock biomass is at a low level. Australia recommends the development of a limit reference point, such that the commercial catch limit for icefish in Division 58.5.2 is set to zero if the stock is determined to be below 1000 tonnes, or the catch limit recommended by the decision rules is below 100 tonnes in the first year after a survey has been completed. In years with a zero commercial catch limit, a combined bycatch and research catch limit of 30 tonnes would allow the continued monitoring of the stock through annual trawl surveys.  Australia considers that such a measure would further enhance the existing suite of Conservation Measures that ensure that management of this fishery follows a precautionary approach, and satisfies the objectives of the Convention.
 

The Ross Sea continental shelf and slope have a number of characteristics that make it an ideal candidate for a marine reserve, as evidenced by its inclusion in the list of 11 priority areas, which focuses efforts on MPA designation where there are high levels of biological heterogeneity.¹ With exceptional biodiversity and evolutionary significance, as well as its potential as a climate change reference area and refuge and its value for scientific research, the Ross Sea merits comprehensive protection of its entire continental shelf and slope. Much of the scientific and biological importance of the Ross Sea derives from its relatively pristine state, which will be irrevocably altered by the continuation of fishing. Preservation of the Ross Sea’s unique qualities therefore requires the designation of a no-take MPA encompassing the shelf and slope. Scientific information presented to CCAMLR and the ATCM since 2002 has developed a clear case for the designation of the Ross Sea shelf and slope as a marine protected area (MPA) by CCAMLR. This paper summarizes the scientific basis for comprehensive Ross Sea protection. ¹ SC-CAMLR XXVII Final Report, paragraphs 3.53 and 3.60

Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing continues to be a problem in the Convention Area, undermining the intrinsic values of CCAMLR and of the Antarctic Treaty. In spite of the package of Conservation Measures on IUU fishing adopted by CCAMLR, there are still significant steps that CCAMLR Members can take individually and collectively to eliminate IUU fishing in the CCAMLR Area. At this meeting, CCAMLR should improve its system of port State measures, while not weakening any of its measures currently in force. In order to achieve this goal, CCAMLR Members should allocate special funds for the effective implementation of those enhanced port State measures by developing countries. At the same time, in order to improve transparency and the implementation of control measures, CCAMLR should require that the owner of any fishing or support vessel authorized to operate in the CCAMLR Area registers with IHS-F, obtains an IMO number, and reports this number in all relevant communications.

New and alarming evidence has been published by Trivelpiece et al. recently about the reduction of the populations of Adélie (Pygoscelis adeliae) and chinstrap penguins (Pygoscelis antarctica) in the West Antarctic Peninsula/Scotia Sea area. According to this scientific paper, Adélie and chinstrap penguin populations have declined more than 50% during the last 30 years at study colonies in the South Shetland Islands. This is consistent with the declines in both species throughout the Scotia Sea. Trivelpiece et al. argue that the reduction of the populations of both species could be attributed to changes in the abundance of their main prey, Antarctic krill, which is affected by climate change. In this context, CCAMLR should keep a precautionary approach in the management of the krill fishery to reduce significant impacts on these species. CM 51-07 should be maintained until sufficient information is acquired for its revision.

The CCAMLR Commission and its Scientific Committee have some significant opportunities as they convene for their 30th annual meeting. One of the most important is fulfilling their commitment to meet the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) goal of designating a representative system of marine protected areas (MPAs) and Marine Reserves by 2012.1 The recent Workshop on Marine Protected Areas at the Institut Paul Emile Victor (IPEV) in Brest, France was held with this imminent deadline in mind. While there were many positive outcomes from the workshop, significant work remains to be done in a short time. Fortunately, as the report of the workshop recognizes, experience demonstrates that progress in developing MPAs can be achieved relatively quickly if there is a dedicated effort to do so. The key principles and concepts are straightforward, and supported by excellent, science-based papers put forward by various Members and NGOs to help create the initial system of MPAs and Marine Reserves. Adoption of a general Conservation Measure on MPAs at CCAMLR XXX should assist Members in the process of designation and management of MPAs in the future. Since CCAMLR began its serious consideration of marine spatial protection and management measures, ASOC has actively supported the process. This includes highlighting trends, international developments and best practice in the development and implementation of MPAs and Marine Reserves. In addition, ASOC contributed by bringing forward concrete scientific contributions to the identification of areas of the Southern Ocean where the implementation of MPAs could assist CCAMLR to achieve its objectives. ASOC is very supportive of the agreed 2012 goal, and hopes that all Members will work together over the next 14 months to ensure that it is met.  

Current Antarctic krill fishing practices have been deviating from historical fishing patterns, with catches concentrated recently in certain areas such as Subarea 48.1. Based on sea-ice reduction projections, concentrated catches in Subarea 48.1 during winter are expected to occur more frequently. The reproduction and survival of krill are significantly affected by sea ice cover. This is of concern since key spawning, recruitment and nursery areas of krill are located in the Southwest Atlantic sector, an area that has been warming rapidly, resulting in a reduction in the extent and duration of winter sea ice. CCAMLR needs to maintain a precautionary approach to krill fisheries management. The establishment of CM 51-07 – distributing the trigger limit among statistical subareas – was a step in the right direction. CCAMLR should retain CM 51-07 to avoid concentrating the catch in one sub-area as the trigger level is approached, reducing the risk of localized depletion of krill near predator colonies. Although the two-year experimental design of scientific observation produced positive results, it seems that sufficient observer data will not be obtained to allow the CCAMLR Scientific Committee to provide advice to the Commission. Thus, CCAMLR should persist in its efforts to work toward 100% observer coverage across all vessels in the krill fishery as the best way to achieve systematic observer coverage. The review of CEMP has become a high priority for the Working Group on Ecosystem Management and Monitoring. An expanded and reformulated CEMP will require new sources of funding and thus, CCAMLR will need to develop funding mechanisms, such as a dedicated CEMP Fund, to ensure the necessary resources are available. Uncertainties over green weight, krill escape mortality and the impacts of krill fishing on fish larvae continue to be a reason for concern.