CCAMLR

This paper reviews the procedure established by the Secretariat to monitor catch and effort in the context of results from the 2017/18 fishing season.

Since 2002, CCAMLR has been working on the development of a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) with the aim of conserving marine biodiversity in the Convention Area. Consistent with this goal and taking into account the singularities of the Western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) and South Scotia Arc region, the delegations of Argentina and Chile propose the establishment of an MPA in the Planning Domain 1 (D1MPA), to protect representative habitats for marine living resources, preserve ecosystem processes, protect vital areas for zooplankton, fish, mammal and bird life-cycles, and maintain reference areas for scientific research and monitoring. This proposal is consistent with Conservation Measure 91-04 (2011) and the recommendations and scientific conclusions discussed since 2012 by the Commission, Scientific Committee and its Working Groups, including those of the Domain 1 Expert Group.

Taking into account results of the WS-DmPH Workshop (Berlin, 2018), proposals are being considered to obtain data for the development of a science-based hypothesis on Antarctic toothfish (Dissostichus mawsoni) life cycle and stock in Area 48.

The Ross Sea region MPA Research and Monitoring Plan in its current form requires serious revision, refinement and further discussion by the Scientific Committee and its working groups (WG-SAM, WG-FSA) ahead of its discussion by the Commission.Comments and proposals are presented regarding the revision and improvement of the research and monitoring plan.

Establishing MPAs for spatial management in the Convention Area requires the preliminary development of a unified approach and unified criteria supported with adequate scientific information and should be enshrined in CCAMLR conservation measures. Relevant proposals are discussed herein.

Methodical aspects of a large-scale international survey in 2019 are discussed in the context of stated objectives. The main sources of uncertainty in the results of the 2019 survey are shown.

Information is presented on a Workshop for Training Russian Scientific Observers and Inspectors to work in fisheries in the CCAMLR Convention Area held at the AtlantNIRO Institute in Kaliningrad (20–24 August 2018).

Research and Monitoring Plan (RMP) is pivotal to the development and implementation of marine protected areas (MPAs). CM 91-04 requires RMP to be adopted by the Commission in that without a well-developed RMP, there would be no ways to acquire best scientific evidence available to inform management plan, regular review process and future decision making, let alone achieving the conservation goals of MPAs. To develop RMP, we need baseline data, translate conservation goals or general statements into specific, measurable, achievable, relevant or realistic and time-bound (SMART) management objectives, identify indicators, define states of system or decision triggers, develop management actions in relation to decision triggers. In this regards, the CEMP might be a precedent to be followed. CM91-04 obliges the proponent(s) to develop and introduce RMP. The introduction of RMP should be meaningful; the obligation would not be fulfilled until the proposed RMP is adopted by CCAMLR.