CCAMLR

ASOC strongly supports the recommendation of WG-EMM-16 that Conservation Measure 51-07 should be retained while alternative strategies and feedback management (FBM) are under evaluation. Discussions at WG-EMM-16 provided further evidence that concentrating krill fishing operations in areas being used by land-based predators puts predators at risk from localized depletion. Consequently, ASOC expects CCAMLR to endorse the scientific advice from its working group. Although it has some weaknesses, CM 51-07 has minimized the risks of localized krill depletion and therefore should not be allowed to lapse. ASOC also urges SC-CAMLR and the Commission to develop additional means of preventing overlap between fishing locations and predator foraging areas to minimize the risk of fishery impacts on krill predators.

A project is proposed to provide CCAMLR with a detailed description of all species which are or have been subject to exploitation at one time in the Southern Ocean. It is envisaged that CCAMLR will benefit considerably from the project both in terms of its publicity and perception in the context of international organisations.  This paper provides a brief outline of the work proposed, work priorities, possible participation, length of the project and costs incurred.

Trammel net surveys were continued in Potter Cove, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica, to achieve a 33-year record, 1983-2016, to monitor changes in the prevalence of three species of notothenioid fishes: Notothenia rossii, Gobionotothen gibberifrons and N. coriiceps. Inshore results were consistent with those achieved from the most recent offshore bottom trawl research cruises in 2007 and 2012 around the South Shetland Islands: 1) a continuous increase in the abundance of N. rossii; 2) further decline in G. gibberifrons recruitment evidenced by the low proportions of juvenile fish; and 3) a high abundance of N. coriiceps. Results were also consistent with trends in seabirds that feed on juveniles of these species. The three notothenioids have similar ecological habits nearshore, but while in offshore waters N. coriiceps was never commercially fished, N. rossii and G. gibberifrons were severely impacted by industrial fishing during the late 1970s-onset of the 1980s. Reasons for lack of recovery in G. gibberifrons remain obscure but seemingly relate to the dramatically changing ecosystem of the region due to climate and perhaps recovery of previously depleted upper trophic level species. Under the regulation of CCAMLR, commercial fishing for finfish in the South Shetland Islands region (FAO Subarea 48.1) remains prohibited since 1991; results indicate that it cannot be reinstated.

This paper presents a proposal by Ukraine to amend Conservation Measure 10-05 in respect of the implementation of the Dissostichus spp. Catch Document: i.e. it is clarified that this document shall apply in cases of transhipment or landing of Dissostichus spp. catches.

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have been on the agenda of the Antarctic Treaty System since at least 2005. Since then, various efforts have been made with the aim of conserving Antarctic marine living resources. In the current context of climate change, the Antarctic Peninsula and Southern Scotia Arc (Domain 1) areas are particularly important, since they are one of the regions of the planet that are most at risk from the effects of climate change. In this document we describe progress made in the process of designation of a representative system of MPAs in Domain 1, and highlight that it extends beyond the primary aim of establishing an MPA, i.e. the conservation of resources. The process itself includes the compilation, analysis, integration and publication of a great deal of the available information, which not only contributes to the accumulation of scientific knowledge but also offers an exceptional tool for viewing and sharing information, thereby facilitating the decision-making process.