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.

In the Southern Ocean fisheries are increasingly being exploited while the effects of fishing are becoming obscured more and more by climate factors that in themselves are changing marine populations and communities, thus confounding management. It is timely for CCAMLR to develop a network of MPAs, with initial inclusion of the well-researched Ross Sea, the area of the Southern Ocean having relatively little human interference so far. Under present climate change scenarios, it could be among the last stretches of the world’s oceans where sea ice remains an important part of the system. The Ross Sea, therefore, represents a refuge both for science, historical value, and a diverse, sea-ice associated biotic community inhabiting neritic waters.