CCAMLR

This paper contains the revised version of the proposed draft Conservation Measure establishing a Marine Protected Area in Domain 1 (Western Antarctic Peninsula and South Scotia Arc) as presented in last year’s paper CC-CCAMLR-XXXVII/31.

The revised version of the D1MPA proposal addresses outstanding issues as raised by Members during the 37th Scientific Committee Meeting (Hobart, 2018). The rationale underlying the modifications in the D1MPA Model, aimed to achieve conservation objectives agreed during the two CCAMLR International Workshops (2012 and 2015) while also seeking to adequately consider the krill fishery distribution. A background paper with the rationale of the changes has also been presented (CCAMLR-38/BG/22).

For clarity a clean version of the revised Conservation Measure is presented, followed by a track-change version which is contained as an Appendix.

It is shown that   the proposals for the establishment of an MPA in the Weddell Sea should be complemented by information on the commercial potential and future rational use for dominant fish species and krill  in the Subarea 48.5 and 48, 6.  

The areas for fishing activity and protection areas  in the Weddell Sea  should be managed by separate Conservation Measures.

It is shown that the WS MPA boundaries should be revised in compliance with sea-ice conditions for vessel navigation being a fundamental factor for the successful completion of assigned research tasks in designated areas.   Spatial planning in the Weddell Sea should make provisions that ice-free areas are areas for planning MPAs and fishing activities.

Gentoo (Pygoscelis papua) penguin colony population behavior/dynamics have been studied during 2018-19 season. The detailed observation of bird arrival, nesting, hatch and crèche has been provided in two colonies at GAI CEMP site at Galindez Island nearby the Vernadsky station. We inform on the results of visual survey of penguin population and penguin count. During the 2018/19 season biologist winterer at Vernadsky station at Galindez Island, provided continuous observations every day/each five days of gentoo GBV and GPP sites. The results of visual observations of penguin population changes are discussed. The two seasons of the data validation experiment have been provided for pictures from time-lapse cameras of the CEMP camera monitoring project of CCAMLR at Galindez Island gentoo (Pygoscelis Papua) penguin colonies are discussed. During 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons, biologists-winterers at Vernadsky station (Galindez Island), GAI CEMP site, provided daily observations of 15 gentoo nests chosen in the three monitoring sites GBW, GPP1, and GPP2, simultaneously with automatic time-lapse cameras picturing. The results of visual observations have been compared with data from camera pictures, which registered the same nests. The comparison of the events of lay, hatch, and crèche dates was undertaken. The preliminary results exhibit the reasonable correspondence within 0-3 days between visual observations and time-lapse camera data for both seasons. The standard deviation for each event varies from ±1 to ±3 days for 15 control nests at the three test sites. However the time delay in 1 to 3 days (7 days maximum) between the registered dates by camera and visual observations was recorded. This delay should be taken into account when the event dates from camera data analyzed without correspondent visual observations.

The scientific background in support of the Weddell Sea Marine Protected Area (WSMPA) has been discussed in the SC-CAMLR for 3 years. Some agreements has been reached in the SC-CAMLR, while substantial issues remain outstanding. China has actively engaged in those discussions and have provided serious and constructive suggestions on the issue.

This report summarizes activities of Oceanites since CCAMLR-XXXVII and SC-CAMLR-XXXVII, including: 

• Results from the latest, 25th consecutive field season of the Antarctic Site Inventory 

• Update on the Mapping Application for Penguin Populations and Projected Dynamics (MAPPPD); and its use within the Antarctic Treaty system and in CCAMLR

• Working Group on Ecosystem Monitoring and Management (WG-EMM) 
• Buffer zone analyses

• Re-analysis of gentoo penguin populations in the Antarctic Peninsula 

• State Of Antarctic Penguins 2019 Report and penguin population changes 

• Update on Oceanites’ climate analyses

• Recent, Notable Scientific Papers Relating to the Antarctic Site Inventory and MAPPPD.

In compliance with the commitments undertaken within the framework of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), the State of Chile conducts Fishing Inspection Operations in the area of the Convention. Every year, the Second Commanders of Navy vessels participating in the Antarctic Campaign are trained as inspectors for this Agreement. In this context, the Chilean Navy vessel, OPV - 83 “MARINERO FUENTEALBA”, during the 2018/19 season, carried out 2 inspections to fishing vessels to the South of the 60^th parallel with the aim to verify the effective compliance of the Conservation Measures established within this international Agreement.