Abstract Ocean acidification poses severe potential threats to marine ecosystems, including the Southern Ocean. The relative undersaturation of CaCO3 in the Southern Ocean suggests that ocean acidification will have its greatest initial impacts there if greenhouse gas emissions continue on their projected trajectory. Aragonite is a form of calcium carbonate essential to shell forming organisms such as the pteropods that form the base of much of the Southern Ocean food chain. Orr et al (2005) predicted that under the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) IS92a warming scenario , which assumes “business as usual” - emissions leading to 778 ppm of CO2 in the atmosphere by 2100 - aragonite will be undersaturated throughout the Southern Ocean. Even under the more conservative IPCC S650 scenario, which assumes that atmospheric CO2 will only reach 563 ppm by 2100, the aragonite saturation horizon is likely to have shrunk from 730 to 60 m by 2100, with the entire Weddell Sea undersaturated with respect to aragonite. Current greenhouse gas emission projections make it imperative that CCAMLR Members develop research programs to fill in the gaps of current research on Southern Ocean impacts as soon as possible. Longer-term studies of acidification for the entire lifecycle of important species are needed, including implications for non-calcifying organisms and impacts of ocean acidification on other biological processes besides calcification in invertebrates and vertebrates. Ocean acidification is relevant to consideration of the impacts of fishing on benthic organisms (including cold water corals) and the management of vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs). Acidification is likely to negatively affect recovery period and whether species can recover.

Abstract This paper identifies recent developments and existing measures relevant to the management of fishing vessels operating in the Southern Ocean. It identifies that currently a piecemeal approach has been taken to the management of the safety and environmental impact of fishing vessels resulting in an ad hoc patchwork of regulation. The paper identifies a new opportunity for review, amendment, improvement and consolidation of the existing framework through the development of a mandatory Polar Code. However, recognizing that the work on the Polar Code is unlikely to be completed for another two years proposes two conservation measures which would harmonize requirements for fishing vessels throughout the Convention Area.

Abstract Interest in krill fishing continues to grow. To ensure that this fishery develops in accordance with Convention principles, CCAMLR must intensify efforts to reduce uncertainties. Lack of sufficient information about abundance of krill and krill predator populations, their distribution and seasonal variability, predator-prey relationships and the effects of climate change are delaying the establishment of krill catch limits among small-scale management units (SSMUs) in Area 48. Uncertainties over krill escape mortality and the impact of krill fishing on fish larvae and krill predators are also concerning. These are urgent issues and we call on CCAMLR’s Scientific Committee to make recommendations to address them and for the Commission act on them at this meeting.

Abstract The persistence of IUU fishing in the CCAMLR Area undermines the intrinsic values of CCAMLR and of the Antarctic Treaty. Thus, eliminating IUU fishing must continue to be a top priority for CCAMLR as an integral part of the Antarctic Treaty System. Thus far, in spite of the number 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. An important step in the development of global instruments to tackle this problem is the Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (PSMA). CCAMLR should take steps to encourage its Members to sign and ratify this agreement as soon as possible. In addition, CCAMLR should adapt its port State measures to the international minimum standard provided by the PSMA, while not weakening any of its current measures in force. At the same time, and in the spirit of promoting the effective implementation of port State measures, CCAMLR should establish mutual recognition of IUU vessel lists with other RFMOs and require the use of IMO numbers for all fishing vessels operating in the CCAMLR area.

Abstract

Fishing magnifies the sensitivity of ecosystems to the effects of climate change. In the Southern Ocean, CCAMLR has the capacity to reduce this sensitivity by appropriately adapting fishing strategies. ASOC advocates that the role of CCAMLR in the climate change context continues to lie in: 1) coordinating with the Committed on Environmental Protection (CEP) in addressing climate change, including monitoring efforts, data collection and area protection; 2) extending the use of Marine Protected Area (MPAs) networks; 3) extending the application of the Precautionary Approach to include the uncertainties raised by climate change; 4) strengthening the CCAMLR Ecosystem and Monitoring Program (CEMP); and 5) providing leadership in reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases during the course of fishing activities.