CCAMLR

Closed mostly within the Weddell Sea Subarea 48.5 is one of the closed data-poor CCAMLR subareas, where stock assessment should be carried out. In spite of hard ice conditions during most of the time of the year, this large water area is very similar with the Ross Sea. This similarity, which could be found in geographical location, bathymetric profile and current system, highlight the Weddell Sea as one of the most promising area for exploratory fishery of Dissostichus sp. However, fishery in subarea 48.5 is closed on the basis data on stock absence. The main objective of the present program is collecting data for reliable stock assessment and following estimation of precautionary limits in accordance with CCAMLR decision rules. The program contains several phases and prospected for 3-5 years. Detailed plan of fishing operations, collecting and analysis of data will be provided for the Scientific Committee and Commission consideration.

This paper provides a report in accordance with Conservation Measure 10-05, Annex 10-05/B, paragraph B2(ix) on the proposal for an African capacity-building workshop aimed at combating IUU fishing to be funded through the CDS Fund.  The proposal was submitted to CCAMLR-XXX in working paper CCAMLR-XXX/33.

This paper introduces a draft Conservation Measure for the designation of Marine Protected Areas for the protection of habitats and communities under ice shelves, glaciers and ice tongues. Adoption of this Conservation Measure would provide for the precautionary protection of new habitats after ice shelves collapse, and for protecting the establishment of new biodiversity as it develops in these areas. The draft Conservation Measure includes relevant management provisions and outline research and monitoring provisions, allowing for more detailed plans to be developed following the actual retreat or collapse of an ice shelf in the future.

A bottom trawl survey for demersal finfish was undertaken by Germany aboard R/V ‘Polarstern’ around Elephant Island, the South Shetland Islands and at the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula from 17 March to 5 April 2012. In this paper we provide information on species composition, biomass, and size composition of the abundant fish species encountered during the survey. Catches in the Elephant Island – South Shetland Islands suggest that biomass of N. rossii and C. gunnari have increased since the last survey in 2006/07.