CCAMLR

This paper summarises data collected by Scheme of International Scientific Observation observers and vessels, of incidental interactions between fishing vessels, seabirds and marine mammals during fishing activities undertaken during the 2020 and 2021 seasons. The extrapolated total of 44 seabirds caught in 2020 is the lowest on record for CCAMLR fisheries. Three humpback whales were recorded as incidental mortalities in krill fisheries in 2021, the first mortality records for this species.

SOOS has been recognised by the Scientific Committee as having an important role to play in CCAMLR ecosystem monitoring and observation, and spatial management of impacts on ecosystems, climate change, and data delivery and management. Reciprocally, CCAMLR is important to SOOS as an international, scientific body that advocates for and collects observational data in the Southern Ocean.

In recognition of this, this Background Paper provides an update on SOOS data activities that are relevant to the CCAMLR community.

The working groups and skills of the SOOS community can support the design and implementation of ecosystem monitoring systems for CCAMLR areas, existing and proposed Marine Protected Areas (MPA). SOOS has been recognised by the Scientific Committee as having an important role to play in CCAMLR ecosystem monitoring and observation; and spatial observations of impacts on ecosystems, climate change, and data delivery and management.

This Background Paper provides an overview of SOOS’s regional working groups and observing system design capabilities; demonstrating how they can support the design and implementation of ecosystem and climate change monitoring, to complement CCAMLR and SCAR monitoring systems.

Based on an analysis of legal and scientific aspects regarding the current situation with the establishment of MPAs in the Convention Area, we examine procedural and implementational measures for regulating a unified process by which the CCAMLR Commission can, on a scientific basis, establish and manage MPAs. A Research and Monitoring Plan (RMP) is considered as an integral part of such a unified process.

Currently, CCAMLR's regulatory framework lacks clear and transparent definitions of fishery types, resulting in contradictions related to understanding the essence of different types of fisheries.

The Russian Federation considers it appropriate, as a first stage, to review the procedural and implementational aspects of the Antarctic fishery classification in the regulatory framework, and, as a second stage, to establish the status of existing fisheries (clarification of fishery nomenclature). Our view is that the results of each stage should be approved by the Commission.

This paper discusses the operational fisheries management of toothfish fisheries in the event of delayed retrieval of fishing gear at the time of closure of the exploratory toothfish fishery and overfishing of toothfish.

Almost from the very beginning of this century there was a momentum to establish representative networks of marine protected areas (MPAs) around the world. It is against this backdrop that the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) made a commitment to achieve such a goal in the Southern Ocean, advancing its leadership in the international community.

CCAMLR did make breakthroughs in 2009, 2011 and 2016 respectively by establishing two MPAs and developing a general framework. Meanwhile, divergent views have surfaced and maintained on the issues such as the definition of an MPA, the balance between science and precaution, the formulation of a research and monitoring plan (RMP), and the standardized procedures to develop and adopt MPA proposals. The facts that no RMPs are adopted for both established MPAs and no agreed procedures to develop MPA proposals reinforced the concerns repeatedly expressed by some Members of CCAMLR and prevented CCAMLR from moving swiftly in this regard.

On the occasion of 40^th anniversary of CCAMLR, it is necessary to revisit the establishment of MPAs in the Southern Ocean with an aim of exploring a common understanding. Given that CM 91-04 is developed to give effect to, inter alia, three elements such as political commitments, Article IX.2.f and g of the Convention on Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (the Convention), and ecosystem approach, this paper revisited these elements one by one.