At CCAMLR XXIX (2010) Australia presented the ‘ Proposal for a general conservation measure to implement a Representative System of Antarctic Marine Protected Areas (RSAMPA) in CCAMLR by 2012, including management arrangements needed in conservation measures that will govern the RSAMPA in the future’ (CCAMLR-XXIX/38 Rev. 1). This proposal is a revision of that presented to CCAMLR XXIX and takes into consideration comments received from Members during CCAMLR XXIX and in the intersessional period.
As in other overarching measures (such as Conservation Measure 41-01 General measures for exploratory fisheries for Dissostichus spp. in the Convention Area), a general conservation measure could provide the framework of common actions and requirements for the declaration, administration and management of CCAMLR marine protected areas (MPAs). Paragraph 1 of the draft general measure, which outlines the objectives to be achieved through MPAs, is based on Scientific Committee endorsed advice from 2005, specifically SC-CAMLR-XXIV, paragraph 3.54.
Australia is of the view that the adoption of this draft measure will provide a solid and transparent foundation for establishing a system of CCAMLR MPAs by 2012.
