CCAMLR

For several years, ASOC has been calling for improved management of Antarctic krill fisheries by establishing feedback management procedures, improving monitoring through a strengthened CEMP program, and requiring 100% scientific observer coverage on board krill vessels among other issues. In this paper, ASOC urges CCAMLR to implement further protective measures to prevent excessive concentration of krill fishing in coastal areas close to predator colonies in Area 48. This is of particular relevance since fishing has been concentrating heavily in coastal areas lately. ASOC also calls on CCAMLR to continue to work towards strengthening the CEMP program, requiring mandatory reporting on green weight estimation methods, and obtaining 100% observer coverage on the krill fishing fleet.

This paper summarises some key principles to consider in the designation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Marine Reserves (MRs). These principles are derived from briefings produced by the Antarctic Ocean Alliance (AOA), an ASOC member. These briefings discuss the duration of MPAs and MRs, the application of the precautionary principle to MPAs and MRs and the designation of MPAs and MRs in the context of climate change. Additionally, CCAMLR’s opportunity to create a strong conservation legacy for future generations is highlighted. The Ross Sea and East Antarctic proposals are consistent with the provisions and practices of the CAMLR Convention, and offer appropriate precautionary, permanent, large-scale protection while allowing commercial fisheries to continue in some areas. By designating MPAs at CCAMLR XXXII, Members will demonstrate the leadership, vision and good stewardship that are critical for the long-term sustainability of the oceans.

El propósito de este documento es aclarar el concepto de “representatividad” en el diseño de Zonas Marinas Protegidas (ZMP) y reexaminar debates y acuerdos en las reuniones de la CCRVMA en relación con su aplicación a la designación de un sistema representativo de las ZMP en el Océano Austral. En 2005, la CCRVMA aprobó el asesoramiento por parte del Comité Científico, el que destacaba que las áreas representativas, definidas como “áreas cuyo objetivo sería proporcionar un sistema integral, adecuado y representativo de ZMP para contribuir a la viabilidad ecológica a largo plazo de sistemas marinos, mantener los procesos y sistemas ecológicos y proteger la diversidad biológica marina antártica en todos los niveles”, contribuirían a llevar adelante los objetivos de la CCRVMA.

El principio de representatividad tiene por objeto garantizar que se capturen dentro de un sistema de ZMP las diferencias en los ecosistemas o hábitats en particular, en una región particular. Una parte clave del proceso de crear un sistema representativo de ZMP es la identificación de las áreas representativas de biodiversidad, a través de un análisis biogeográfico en un proceso de planificación sistemática de la conservación. El valor del análisis biogeográfico para las ZMP representativas del Océano Austral se refleja a través del compromiso de la CCRVMA con la bioregionalización, y este análisis ha respaldado posteriormente todo el proceso de desarrollo de ZMP dentro de la CCRVMA. Por lo tanto, la CCRVMA ha considerado y refinado ampliamente el concepto de representatividad durante los últimos 10 años.

En la reunión de 2012 de la CCRVMA, la Comisión aceptó con agrado la oferta de Alemania de tomar la iniciativa en el desarrollo de una propuesta para establecer un AMP en el Mar de Weddell para que fuese considerada en 2014. A continuación, el Ministerio Federal Alemán de Alimentación, Agricultura y Protección del Consumidor le encargó al Instituto Alfred Wegener del Centro Helmholtz de Investigaciones Polares y Marinas, que compilara y analizara los datos científicos necesarios para identificar las áreas que requieren protección particular en el Mar de Weddell. El trabajo en este proyecto comenzó a mediados de abril de 2013. Este informe se basa en el documento WG-EMM-13/22 que fue presentado a la reunión de WG-EMM en 2013 en Bremerhaven, Alemania. Alemania desea informar al Comité Científico de la situación actual de su proyecto, en particular de los resultados del taller nacional sobre datos celebrado en Bremerhaven a principios de septiembre de este año. Los principales objetivos de este documento son (i) proponer el área de planificación para nuestra evaluación, (ii) proporcionar una actualización de la situación relativa a los datos, (iii) señalar la celebración a principios de abril de 2014 de un taller internacional de expertos para la planificación del AMP del Mar de Weddell.

A multi-year plan for research by Japan and South Africa aimed at yielding a tag-based assessment of the Dissostichus resource in statistical Subarea 48.6 was adopted in 2012 and formulated in CM 41-04. This paper presents a revised work plan for the South African contribution to the second year of this research in 2013/14 and is to be read in conjunction with WG-SAM-13/11.

The local densities of Champsocephalus gunnari  observed in the 2013 survey are compared with those observed in 1994-1997. A significant increase in densities across 24 sites previously sampled was found. The comparison of the length distribution functions suggests that the stock depletion in the early 1990’s was due to recruitment collapse, probably a consequence of overfishing.

The stock of Antarctic toothfish in the CCAMLR subarea 48.4 was estimated using as the Petersen method as  640 tonnes. Application of the harvest rate used for D. eleginoides in Subarea 48.3 (γ = 0.038) gives yields of 24 t for the Antarctic toothfish in the region vs. previous estimation of 30 tonnes.

The present report re-analyses data regarding CPUE for both species of toothfish in northern area of 48.6 (SSRU 48.6A, 48.6G). This report is a re-analysis of the CPUE time series proposed in previous work (SAM 13/29) which includes all those comments and suggestions made in the last SAM meeting. Here, the  length of the line was used as effort unit and also high CPUE values reported by a Korean Vessel (Insung No 7) were further investigated by applying extreme value analysis. Antarctic and Patagonian toothfish presented a high proportion with sets in which both species are present, and thus, an analysis of catch intention was implemented by using multivariate statistical approach of the catch composition. Standardisation of CPUE was done by using Generalised Additive Models (GAM) considering temporal and location factors. A mix model using vessel nationality as random variable was also implemented.  These improvements did not change the CPUE time series in Antarctic Toohthfish and only produces minor changes in Patagonian toothfish. We believe extreme value analysis provides a useful tool to evaluate anomalous CPUE.  The same conclusion with previous work arise, the CPUE have little or none information as index of abundance and thus, it is highly recommendable to continue with the collection of the data by scientific observed and tagging and release program.