CCAMLR

This paper presents an update of the metrics of capacity and capacity utilisation presented in WG-SAM 14/19 and WG-FSA 15/09 in order to monitor trends in capacity in exploratory toothfish fisheries in Subareas 88.1 and 88.2.   The updated metrics show the same pattern as in previous updates and do not indicate an excess of capacity in the fishery.  Interpretation of data for 2018 and 2019  should be made in the context of  changes in the area of operation  and the application of fishery closures in  the exploratory fishery in Subarea 88.1.

This paper presents catches of target species from directed fishing on toothfish, icefish and krill in the Convention Area in 2017/18 and 2018/19, and catches taken during research activities pursuant to CM 24-01, paragraph 3. Monthly catch totals for 2018/19, based on data reported to 13 September 2019, are presented with dates of closures of fisheries implemented by the Secretariat.

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 2019 season. A short report is also detailed on a large seal morality event which occurred at the end of the 2018 season. Incidental mortality numbers for longline fisheries in which seabird mortalities have been reported are presented with the data from observers and vessel supplied data. Based on data received up to 8 October 2019, the extrapolated total number of birds killed is 103.

In 2016 the Commission adopted Conservation Measure (CM) 91-05, establishing the Ross Sea region Marine Protected Area (RSRMPA). Annex B of this CM specifies the RSRMPA specific objectives and the Management Plan. In addition, Annex C specifies the Priority elements for Scientific Research and Monitoring, including research and monitoring priorities, and research and monitoring questions that should be addressed.

We recall the objectives of the RSRMPA and the research questions for research and monitoring for the RSRMPA. This paper updates the research and monitoring activities for New Zealand and Italy, as encouraged by CM 91-05 paragraph 16(i)–(ii), noting that other Members are also undertaking relevant research.

New Zealand and Italy recommend that Members continue to share data and research outcomes relevant to the objectives of the RSRMPA.

In response to a request from the Commission and Scientific Committee, the Secretariat worked intersessionally and communicated with Members to develop draft technical guidelines to assist vessels which encounter unidentified fishing gear in the Convention Area. The work is summarised, and the draft guidelines, which were published to the CCAMLR e-group in 2019.

In accordance with CM 10-10, paragraph 2(i), and the procedure detailed in COMM CIRC 19/76, the Secretariat has prepared the Summary CCAMLR Compliance Report (Summary Report) based on the Draft CCAMLR Compliance Reports (Draft reports), responses received from Contracting Parties, and the suggested preliminary compliance status. The Draft reports identified 16 potential conservation measure compliance issues in relation to 7 conservation measures affecting 6 Contracting Parties in the period 1 August 2018 to 31 July 2019 (the compliance reporting period). The Secretariat circulated Draft reports on 7 August 2019 and the Summary Report containing Contracting Party responses is Annex 1 to this paper.

The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report is a Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate (SROCC). The report compiles scientific evidence to make clear the devastating impacts that climate change are having on the oceans and polar regions. In this paper, ASOC provides a short overview of some of the report’s key findings and recommends that CCAMLR take collective responsibility to address the growing environmental crises of climate change and biodiversity loss with decisive action including:

1. Complete the planned representative system of MPAs as an immediate response, including areas designed to enhance climate resilience.
2. Complete and agree to a climate change response plan which includes climate change information when setting catch limits and approving conservation measures and implication statements in all working papers and fisheries reports.
3. Commit to research on climate-related changes to the Antarctic ecosystem, including ocean heat uptake, ocean acidification, and ecosystem and species changes, and incorporate this information into precautionary conservation measures.