CCAMLR

This paper provides a summary of the highlights of the FAO sponsored consultation on illegal. unreported and unregulated (IUV) fishing. A Draft International Plan of Action on IUU Fishing was prepared and this will be discussed at a Technical Consultation on IUU Fishing in Rome between 2-6 October 2000.

Finfishing started in the Southern Ocean more than 30 years ago at South Georgia and Iles Kerguelen. The fishery extended further south for a few years in the second half of the 1970's. However, South Georgia and the Kerguelen Islands remained the most important fishing grounds until 1996/97 when the longline fisheries for Dissostichus eleginoides spread over most of the Southern Ocean within one season. A number of direct effects from fishing activities can be seen on marine life, in particular birds and mammals. With the exception of plastic package bands on some sub-Antarctic islands and in particular the impact of longlining on marine birds these effects have been minor, very local and killed probably only a few animals per year.

During the 1999/2000 austral summer the tenth annual beach debris survey was carried out at Signy Island, South Orkney Islands. Debris was cleared each month between November andMarch from three study beaches. The debris was counted, measured and classified by type,material, mass and size categories. A total of 55 items weighing 10.78kg was collected. The number of items was 35% less than 1998/99, and the second lowest ever recorded. The total mass of the waste recovered has decreased since 1998/99 by 17% but was still the second highest since 1995/96. Plastic waste was predominant, as in previous seasons, although the proportion of plastic items (38%) was the lowest ever recorded and follows a declining trend since 1996/97. The proportion of polypropylene packaging bands removed was also the lowest recorded (18%) and may indicate that the ban on their use aboard fishing vessels brought into force by CCAMLR in 1995/96 has been effective and should continue. Classifying the waste by source revealed that 60% had come from ships or fishing vessels and7% were from Signy Research Station. The rest comprised wood (11%) and items with noobvious source (22%). Of particular concern was the quantity of polystyrene foam whichaccounted for 31% of all items recovered and 46% of items small enough to be ingested byseals and seabirds. The proportion of polystyrene foam items washed ashore has been increasing since 1996/97. It is recommended that CCAMLR should advise its members touse alternative, less persistent forms of packing material where possible. With the exception of 1998/99, the quantity of waste recorded at Signy Island has been showing a declining trend since 1993/94. This is promising. The longevity of plastics and other materials with a high resistence to degradation in the marine environment remains a problem and highlights theneed for continued monitoring to ensure that vessels are aware of, and comply with, regulations prohibiting the disposal of debris at sea.

The ninth year of surveys of beach man-made debris at Bird Island, South Georgia revealed a total of 213 items, 51% less than the total of 430 items in 1997/98 and the second lowest total noted. The winter (April - September) total was 66 % lower than in 1997/98 and is the lowest total since 1990. The number of items collected in the summer was 172, a decrease of 45% from the 1997/98 total of 310. Nylon line, identical to that attached to longline gear, accounted for 51 % of items.The lower levels of debris collected in the winter months is encouraging although the totals of summer debris still remain at least three times the level of the early 1990's and provide continued cause for concern, suggesting that CCAMLR needs to enhance its campaign to reduce the amount of man-made debris being jettisoned into the Southern Ocean.