CCAMLR

This paper summarises some of the main tasks which the Secretariat has undertaken over the past year in support of WG-EMM. The outcome of these tasks are outlined in table format. Where required, detailed information is provided in meeting papers

The CCAMLR Ecosystem Monitoring Program uses indices derived from data on indicator species and the environment collected by standard methods within the three Integrated Study Regions of the Convention Area. Standardised index values are re-calculated each year as new data become available, and trends and anomalies in these data are presented.

In response to the debate at WG-EMM-99 about the development of the ecosystem approach within CCAMLR. The Secretariat prepared a review of the various tasks initiated at WG-EMM-95 and later meetings (WG-EMM-00/29). The Working Group requested that the review should be updated annually. The 2001 review covers meetings of WG-EMM from 1995 to 2000.

We use data collected on the CCAMLR-IWC Krill Synoptic Survey (2000) to investigate relationships between cetacean density, krill density and oceanographic conditions. We explore the use of generalized additive models (GAMs) to model these relationships, and show how these models can provide abundance estimates for sub-areas within the survey region, as well as for the survey region itself. Abundance estimates from a simple conventional line transect analysis are also presented.

The first three cruises in the 'year round' Southern Ocean GLOBEC series for 2001-2002 were conducted from March - June 2001. International Whaling Commission researchers participated in all three cruises (Gould LMG 01-03 USA mooring cruise, Polarstern AntXVIII5b ship and helicopter based studies Germany, Nathaniel B Palmer NBP 01-03 USA survey cruise). A combination of ship, zodiac and helicopter based visual survey, tissue biopsy, and photo identification techniques were used on the vessels by the IWC. Passive acoustic moorings and expendable sonobuoys were deployed by the US passive acoustic team. The most frequently recorded and abundant baleen whale species in the study area were minke and humpback whales. An initial overview of oceanographic data shows strong patterns of correlation between autumn and early winter baleen whale distribution, the inshore cold Antarctic coastal current, and upwelling of this cold water produced by intrusions of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current into Marguerite Bay. Confirmation of krill autumn migration into inshore waters associated with complex bathymetry (ie. dense aggregations in deep pools or holes) was made on these surveys. This indicates that baleen whale prey is available throughout all seasons. Baleen whales were observed in Marguerite Bay as late as June, and it is likely that both humpback and minke whales overwinter in this region. These preliminary associations will be tested during the winter NB Palmer cruise (July - September) and through modelling and analysis planned between IWC and SO GLOBEC in 2001. The 2002 series of cruises will further test these and other physical and biological associations.