The CCAMLR Scheme of International Scientific Observation was adopted in 1992 under Article XXIV of the Convention. It is one of the most important sources of scientific information that is essential for assessing the impact of fishing on the ecosystem, including the status of target populations, as well as those of related and dependent species. The scheme also plays a crucial role in developing approaches to reducing the impact of fishing on the ecosystem by collecting data on the effectiveness of mitigation measures.

The CCAMLR Marine Debris program was established in 1989 to monitor debris levels in the Convention Area, with specific regard to fishing debris items. Members annually submit data using a standardised set of forms and instructions covering marine debris from beach surveys, debris associated with seabird colonies, entanglements of marine mammals, and hydrocarbon soiling of mammals and seabirds. The CCAMLR Marine Debris Database contains data from 15 sites, predominantly in the Antarctic Peninsula and on Sub-Antarctic islands.

In order to manage the commercial harvesting of Antarctic marine living resources in accordance with the ‘ecosystem approach’ that is embodied in Article II of the CAMLR Convention, the effects of fishing on harvested species (target species) as well dependent species and associated species need to be taken into account.

CCAMLR 40th Anniversary Commemorative Book (19.52 MB). A collaboration between Members, Acceding States, Observers and the Secretariat to celebrate forty years since the Convention came into force.

Welcome to the CCAMLR Secretariat page providing information on our:

The Commission, established under Article VII of the CAMLR Convention, gives effect to the Convention’s objectives and principles set out in Article II.

The Commission includes a Scientific Committee established by the CAMLR Convention. The Commission and the Scientific Committee can establish subsidiary bodies that are necessary for the performance of their functions.

The Convention Area is described in the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (74.48 KB) as consisting of all waters bounded by the Antarctic Continent to the south, and to the north by a line starting at 50°S 50°W; thence due east to 30°E longitude; thence due north

To accede to the Convention a State must meet the conditions set out in Article XXIX, paragraph 1, of the CAMLR Convention. Namely that the State is:

…interested in research or harvesting activities in relation to the marine living resources to which this Convention applies

A note verbale to the above effect is to be submitted to:

Applications for membership are limited to Contracting Parties that have acceded to the CAMLR Convention and are:

...engaged in research or harvesting activities in relation to the marine living resources to which the Convention applies

The Contracting Party must then notify the Depositary in the form of a Diplomatic Note which describes the basis upon which it seeks to become a Member of the Commission and its willingness to accept conservation measures in force.