WG-EMM first met in 1995 after the amalgamation of the Working Group on Krill (WG-Krill) and the Working Group on CCAMLR Ecosystem Monitoring Program (WG-CEMP). The establishing terms of reference requested the group to:

(i) Assess status of krill.

(ii) Assess status and trends of dependent and related populations including identification of information required to evaluate predator/prey/fisheries interactions and their relationships to environmental features.

(iii) Assess environmental features and trends which may influence abundance and distribution of harvested, dependent, related and/or depleted populations.

(iv) Identify, recommend and coordinate research necessary to obtain information on predator/ prey/fisheries interactions, particularly those involving harvested, dependent, related and/or depleted populations.

(v) Liaise with WG-FSA on stock assessment related matters.

(vi) Develop further, coordinate the implementation of, and ensure continuity in CEMP.

(vii) Taking into account assessments and research carried out under terms of reference (i) to (v) above, develop management advice on status of Antarctic marine ecosystems and for management of krill fisheries in full accordance with Convention Article II.

Addressing these terms of reference remains at the core of the work of WG-EMM. In addition. the Working Group now provides advice on aspects of spatial protection, including marine protected areas and vulnerable marine ecosystems.

WG-EMM meets annually, typically in June/July and is hosted by a CCAMLR Member. The current convener is Dr So Kawaguchi (Australia).

A list of the meetings (including reports) is available here.