CCAMLR

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.

ABSTRACT

This paper reports on progress made by the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) on issues of particular relevance to the Commission. Since the last meeting of the CCAMLR Commission, ACAP held the fifth meeting of its Advisory Committee (AC5) and the third meeting of its Seabird Bycatch Working Group (SBWG3).

At SBWG3, considerable progress was reported on research to develop bycatch mitigation measures for pelagic fisheries. A review of relevant research revealed that the most effective measures to reduce incidental take of seabirds in pelagic longline fisheries are:

- use of an appropriate line weighting regime to reduce the time baited hooks are near or on the surface and thus available to birds;

- avoiding peak areas and periods of seabird foraging activity;

- setting at night; and

- actively deterring birds from baited hooks by means of bird scaring lines, in combination with appropriate line weighting.

The SBWG also reviewed progress in bycatch mitigation research for pelagic and demersal trawl gear and advised that the most effective measure to reduce incidental take of seabirds in trawl fisheries is the effective management of offal discharge and fish discards through full retention of all waste material, or mealing (the conversion of waste into fish meal waste reducing discharge to sump water). In the absence of this it is critical not to discharge offal or fish discards during shooting and hauling.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CCAMLR and ACAP, endorsed at CCAMLR XXVIII, has been approved by ACAP Parties. The signing of the MoU by the respective Executive Secretaries took place on 1 April 2010. The MoU will facilitate the exchange of data between ACAP and CCAMLR, such as information on the conservation status and threats faced by ACAP species found in CCAMLR waters. This information will be incorporated in future reports to CCAMLR.

Abstract

This background paper is the first of a series of yearly updates to the SCAR Antarctic Climate Change and the Environment (ACCE) Report. It considers two key questions that climate and other environmental scientists are concerned with: The separation of natural climate variability from anthropogenic signals and the Antarctic ice sheet and sea level.

SCAR has formed an ACCE Expert Group that will provide future updates, a summary of which will be provided to CCAMLR.

Abstract
This Background Paper reports on progress with the Southern Ocean Observing System (SOOS), noting in particular the importance of the SOOS to the work of CCAMLR and the key role of CCAMLR in implementation of the SOOS, for example through the CCAMLR Ecosystem Monitoring Programme (CEMP).

The SOOS plan has been made available for community comment (www.scar.org/soos) for a period of two months, with a deadline of 1 October. A final version of the plan will be circulated before the end of the year.

A SOOS Secretariat will be hosted by Australia to aid implementation. Details of the Secretariat are currently being finalized.

Abstract  

This Background Paper reports on the various activities conducted by SCAR that are of potential interest to CCAMLR, with a focus on new activities.

The book on Antarctic Climate Change and the Environment (ACCE) was published in October 2009 and the Southern Ocean Observing System (SOOS) planning document has been finalized, the implementation of which will be supported by a Secretariat hosted in Australia.

Two new potential Scientific Research Programmes of relevance to CCAMLR activities are under development: Antarctic Ecosystems: Adaptations, Thresholds and Resilience (AntETR) and State of the Antarctic Ecosystem (AntEco). SCAR now has an Action Group on Ocean Acidification and an Expert Group on Antarctic Climate Change and the Environment that will produce annual climate updates to both the ATCM and CCAMLR.

The SCAR-MarBIN data portal continues to gather information on marine biodiversity in the Antarctic, and the CPR Survey continues to grow with more countries contributing, particularly Brazil.

A joint CCAMLR/SCAR Action Group is proposed in order to improve the strategic partnership between the two organizations.