To ensure vessels fishing in the Convention Area comply with conservation measures, CCAMLR implements a System of Inspection. CCAMLR’s System of Inspection was established in 1989 to support the comprehensive inspections of vessels by Contracting Parties. The System of Inspection provides for:
- procedures for the designation of inspectors
- the rights and responsibilities of Inspectors
- procedures for boarding and inspection
- inspection reporting and the procedures for Flag State prosecutions
- sanctions based on evidence acquired under the System of Inspection.
Designated Inspectors
Members may appoint inspectors for each fishing season. Designated Inspectors are authorised to conduct inspections of vessels operating inside the Convention Area. A list of Designated Inspectors is available to Members. An Inspectors Manual (
8.03 MB) provides information and guidelines for Designated Inspectors.
Inspection reports
Members are required to report on the outcomes of all inspections undertaken by Designated Inspectors. At-sea inspection reports are provided to CCAMLR and the vessel's Flag State.
Port inspections
In accordance with Conservation Measure 10-03 Contracting Parties are required to inspect all fishing vessels carrying toothfish species that enter their ports and at least half of all fishing vessels carrying other Antarctic species harvested in the Convention Area. Inspections are undertaken to ensure that if a vessel undertook harvesting activities in the Convention Area, these activities were carried out in accordance with CCAMLR’s conservation measures. If a vessel intends to land or tranship Dissostichus spp. a Contracting Party must ensure that the catch to be unloaded or transhipped is accompanied by Catch Documentation Scheme (CDS) documentation and verify that the catch is consistent with the information recorded on the CDS documentation.