This paper informs EMM 2019 about the data layer products, which were developed for WSMPA spatial planning, and lists the DOIs to the respective PANGAEA entries. By depositing these data layers with PANGAEA, we provide transparency regarding the WSMPA development process and follow the discussion under CCAMLR about the need to make reference material on MPAs easily accessible to the scientific community.

This paper reports on the CCAMLR Ecosystem Monitoring Program (CEMP) data submissions for the 2018/19 monitoring season detailed by site and species, and includes an update to the Combined Standardised Index (CSI) analysis from 2018 for Area 48. The CSI analysis is a method used to examine spatial patterns of inter-annual variability of the response by krill-dependent predators to changes in the ecosystem. The CSI analysis continues to show evidence of concordance of response to changes in the ecosystem between sites by Subarea, suggesting CEMP data are tracking similar processes.

• Our study area encompasses all CCAMLR MPA Planning Domains contiguous to mainland Antarctica.
• We present the preliminary marine Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (mIBAS) for penguins.
• A total of 64 definitive sites were identified as IBAs
• We present a systematic overview of the population and penguin distribution data considered
• We highlight areas where collaborative efforts could bolster marine spatial planning initiatives for Antarctic penguin species, and their associated biodiversity.
• We present more detailed results for MPA Planning Domains 3, 4 and 9.

CCAMLR manages the krill fishery in Area 48 using a catch limit (the trigger level) which was established in 1991 based on the maximum catches reported for each subarea. Since that time the ecosystem has undergone rapid environmental change. Several studies suggest that krill numerical density, demographic structure, distribution and availability to predators have also changed. These changes are consistent with global evidence of the ecological effects of environmental change. At the same time catches in Subarea 48.1 have increased beyond the maximum pre-1991 catch for that subarea which was used to set the trigger level. As a consequence of these major risk factors (increased catch levels in Subarea 48.1 and environmental stress on the krill stock), the need for precaution is likely to be greater now than when the trigger level was established. Ideally CCAMLR should establish a process for regularly reviewing whether its management of the krill fishery is suitably precautionary. At the very least Conservation Measure 51-07, which defines subarea catch limits and provides additional precaution, should be retained.

CCAMLR currently manages the krill fishery in subareas 48.1 to 48.4 using an arbitrary measure (the trigger level) which was established in 1991 and is “not related to the status of the krill stock”. At the same time, CCAMLR recognises that “advances are urgently needed” specifically because the trigger level is not related to the status of the stock. The establishing terms of reference for WG-EMM include requests to “assess the status of krill” and “develop management advice … for management of krill fisheries”. Although WG-EMM is now a quarter century old, it rarely assesses the status of the krill stock and CCAMLR still manages the krill fishery using the trigger level. Here we describe the single-species feedback loop that is widely used in fishery management elsewhere, including in other CCAMLR fisheries. This feedback loop regularly modifies management measures, such as catch limits, in response to estimates of the status of the target stock. CCAMLR has already implemented the majority of the components of this feedback loop to establish Conservation Measures that limit krill fishing in Subareas 48.1 to 48.4. However, one component of this loop is missing, namely regular estimates of stock status based on the available data. Here, we briefly review some of the progress that CCAMLR working groups and the scientific community have made towards developing such methods. We suggest that WG-EMM should progress these methods further so that the working group is able to provide the advice requested in its establishing terms of reference. Finally, we emphasise that considerable uncertainty will be associated with any assessment of the status of the krill stock, and therefore there is a need for continuing precaution.

This paper describes the structure and preliminary results of the research cruise to investigate the marine pelagic ecosystem around the South Sandwich Islands in the austral summer of 2019. The research cruise consisted of a large scale acoustic survey, following track lines established during the CCAMLR 2000 acoustic survey of Antarctic krill. Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) stations and net samples were taken along the track line at approximately 12 hours intervals (centred around midday and midnight). The net samples included a Rectangular Midwater Trawl 8+1, bongo nets and a NEuston MOdified net (NEMO) for micro-plastics. Cetacean observations were also taken along the acoustic track lines. This report provides information on the size of Antarctic krill caught, the distribution of acoustic backscatter attributed to krill using a swarms identification algorithm and a summary of the cetacean observations.

We use cetacean sightings data collected from the northern and eastern Scotia Arc (CCAMLR Subareas 48.3 and 48.4) during the 2018/19 international synoptic krill survey to provide preliminary density and relative abundance estimates for humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) and for all other baleen whale species sighted. The survey was designed to collect data on the abundance of krill and so was not optimised for deriving design-based cetacean abundance estimates, but may provide a useful means of comparing whale densities and habitat use patterns between the present day and the CCAMLR-2000 synoptic survey. Humpback whales were the most frequently sighted cetacean species during the survey (226 sightings of a total count of 495 whales) and were widely distributed east of 42.5°W in all water depths surveyed, with fin whales the next most commonly sighted species (53 sightings and a cumulative count of 76 whales). Humpback whale abundance in South Georgia (Subarea 48.3) was estimated at 20,333 (95% CI 13,988-29,555) with all baleen whales estimated at 27,143 (95% CI 19,998-36,842). Humpback whale abundance around the South Sandwich Islands (Subarea 48.4) was estimated at 10,893 (95% CI 7,818-15,178) with all baleen whales estimated at 20,699 (95% CI 16,027-26,732). Fin whale abundance over all strata was estimated at 6,002 (95% CI 4,056-8,881). The estimates for humpback whales are consistent with the high recent estimates of abundance and trend from their Brazilian wintering grounds. These new estimates of abundance can also be used to re-assess the annual impact of krill-feeding whales within the Scotia Arc ecosystem, sensu Reilly et al. (2004).

Australia plans to conduct a krill biomass survey in Division 58.4.2 East during 23 January to 25 March 2021. The survey will estimate krill biomass with a view to update the precautionary catch limit for krill. A krill observatory mooring system will also be deployed during the survey to further monitor seasonal dynamics of krill in the seasonally ice covered area. The survey is also designed to improve our understanding on the connectivity of the krill population, and overlap between krill and predators. A deeper understanding of all these factors will support the design of a tractable and sustainable long-term monitoring plan and spatial management (small-scale management unit) of the krill fishery in East Antarctica. We welcome any suggestions and comments from the Members to improve our survey. Final survey plans will be submitted to SG-ASAM and WG-EMM in 2020.

The Mapping Application for Penguin Populations and Projected Dynamics (MAPPPD) is a web-based, open access, decision support tool designed to assist scientists, non-governmental organizations, and policymakers working to meet the management objectives as set forth by The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) and other components of the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) (i.e., Consultative Meetings and the ATS Committee on Environmental Protection). MAPPPD was designed specifically to complement existing efforts such as the CCAMLR Ecosystem Monitoring Program (CEMP) and the ATS's Visitor Site Guidelines. The database underlying MAPPPD includes all publicly available (published and unpublished) count data on Emperor, Gentoo, Adélie, and Chinstrap penguins in Antarctica. The structure of the database is designed to allow users to determine the nature and quality of the data they wish to use for management or exploratory purposes, giving stakeholders flexibility for decision making purposes.  A front-end web interface located at www.penguinmap.com provides free and ready access to all count data, which can be downloaded in easy-to-use formats thus facilitating transfer of information to Antarctic stakeholders.

CCAMLR has endorsed the use of the Risk Assessment framework to apportion the krill catch limits in order to minimise the risk of the fishery to krill dependent predators. We plan to apply the risk assessment framework across Subarea 48.1 at various spatial and temporal scales, in order to identify the most appropriate way to spread the catch from the fishery. The risk assessment framework requires data layers describing the distribution and krill consumption by krill-dependent predators. This paper describes the progress to-date in developing the data layers to input into the risk assessment framework.