CCAMLR

In accordance with decision of CCAMLR Scientific Committee in 2010 and in 2011 years Russian Federation was conducted research program in SSRU 88.2 A. In seasons 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 Russian vessel “Chio Maru 3” (“Antei” Ltd.) has been conducted research fishing of toothfish. The primary objective of the works in the SSRU was estimation of toothfish`s distribution density and carrying out of tagging. Obtained results shows that investigated area is potentially advantageous for fishing and could be recommended for exploratory fishing under CCAMLR regulations. Calculation results shows that biomass of toothfish in SSRU 88.2 A in significant and makes up from 2611.3 to 3112.3 t, which allows the removal of approximately 280 tons (at 10% operating level) each year without negative effect to the population of toothfish. We recommend 286 tons as value of limit of the allowable catch.

This document summarises French observations of illegal fishing for the past year.  

The geographical area covered in this report comprises Statistical Subarea 58.6 and Divisions 58.5.1 and 58.5.2 (which include the Crozet, Kerguelen and Heard and McDonald EEZs), Statistical Divisions 58.4.3, 58.4.4, (BANZARE, Elan, Lena and Ob Banks) and Subarea 58.4.1. Vessels on the CCAMLR black list observed outside the Convention Area this season are also mentioned.

The fish stocks in the Kerguelen and Crozet EEZs are now protected, as shown in the report of the POKER 2 fisheries research survey (2010). Although IUU removals in the Crozet and Kerguelen EEZ are close to zero, IUU fishing persists in the CCAMLR Area in international waters. In the area covered in this document, IUU activities have remained at a similar level to 2011.

The selling price for toothfish has reached record highs this season, further increasing the incentive to conduct IUU fishing, so several times a year IUU activities lasting from one to five weeks are observed on the edges of the continental shelves outside the French EEZs. This season, the IUU fleet has again focused on BANZARE and Elan Banks (Statistical Division 58.4.3) as well as on the more scattered seamounts (Ob and Lena), and sometimes at the boundaries of the Crozet, Kerguelen and Heard EEZs (Lameyne Ridge, Gallienni Spur, Williams Seamount and Del Cano Rise). IUU activities targeting Antarctic toothfish have been observed in areas over the seamounts along the edge of the continent or at the limit of the ice, accessible in summer. The IUU vessels observed all use gillnets.

It is becoming more and more difficult to obtain information about the identities of vessel masters and fishing masters or the nationalities of the crews of the vessels observed. It may well be that the crewmen who are the least cooperative during questioning are those which are made up of nationals of  CCAMLR Member States. On the high seas, it has been observed that the presence of surveillance vessels showing the CCAMLR insignia has not been sufficient to discourage IUU vessels from continuing their activities.

In this document, France presents to CCAMLR the status of its thoughts and work to assist in the establishment of new Marine Protected Areas in its Exclusive Economic Zones at Kerguelen and Crozet as well as in the Dumont d’Urville area.

The present work includes results of seven-year own author’s research and presents generalised knowledge about distribution and biology of the antarctic toothfish in different sectors of the Antarctica.

In 2011 and 2012 in Subarea 88.3 research fishing for toothfish has been conducted by Russia. In 2011 fishing was carried out by Russian longliner “Sparta” out and in 2012 it was longliner “Chio Maru 3”. Research program was performed by scientific observers from VNIRO (Moscow, Russia) and YugNIRO (Kerch, Ukraine). Totally, during the work period 44 longlines were set at a depth from 625 to 2336 m. Total number of set hooks amounted 171096. In 2011 research fishing covered SSRU B, C and D, and in 2012 ice conditions were much worse and longlines were set only in SSRU C. Collected in research fishing data contributes to the achievement of the main objectives of research for the data-poor area: estimate of number index, evaluation of fishing capacity of Subarea 88.3, preparation of hypotheses about the ratio of fish in the area and the total stock as well as studying of biological parameters associated with productivity (SC-CCAMLR-XXX/5, par. 2.26-2.29). Toothfish's biomass was calculated by the accepted in SC-CCAMLR-XXX/5 p.2.40 (ii) formula. Value of toothfish`s stock by SSRUs and all details of stock assessment methods are described in the present work.

The delegation of the United States proposes the establishment by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Living Marine Resources (Commission or CCAMLR) of a marine protected area (MPA) in the Ross Sea Region (“Ross Sea Region Marine Protected Area”).  In 2010, the Commission endorsed the Scientific Committee’s work program to develop a representative system of Antarctic MPAs with the aim of conserving marine biodiversity in the Convention Area.  Consistent with this goal and to safeguard the exceptional ecological value and scientific importance of the Ross Sea Region for current and future generations, our delegation proposes to establish this MPA to conserve marine living resources, preserve ecological structure and function, protect vital ecosystem processes and areas of ecological significance, and maintain a reference area for scientific research and monitoring.  This proposal is consistent with Conservation Measure 91-04 (2011) and the scientific conclusions and processes, endorsed by the Scientific Committee, from which the United States developed its original MPA scenario for the Ross Sea Region.

To prevent the entry of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) toothfish (Dissostichus spp.) into commerce, CCAMLR’s catch documentation scheme tracks shipments from the point of harvest through final import for consumption.  The move, in 2010, to a fully electronic Catch Documentation Scheme (e-CDS) has improved the tracking of toothfish moving in trade and decreased the potential for fraud.  It has greatly enhanced the ability of Members, as well as non-Members cooperating with CCAMLR by participating in the CDS, to ensure that the toothfish entering their markets were harvested in a manner consistent with CCAMLR conservation measures.  Other organizations and arrangements seeking to establish effective catch documentation schemes look to the e-CDS as a model of effective and efficient product traceability.  However, there are some improvements that could be made in order to clarify ambiguous fields, upgrade the CDS to take advantage of more modern electronic documentation tools in general, and ensure the requirements are operationally feasible.