CCAMLR

This document contributes to the planning process for the designation of a Domain 1 MPA led by Argentina and Chile. The process has resulted in the compilation, analysis, integration and display of a large amount of information, not only contributing to the best science available but also providing a platform for the sharing and visualization of information, highlighting the multinational approach in all stages of the decision making process. In particular, this paper describes the identification of Priority Areas for Conservation (PAC) in Domain 1 - as introduced during the last EMM meeting (WG-EMM-17/23)-, which included exhaustive analyses of hundreds of spatial data layers, extensive calibration of Marxan parameters and consideration of multiple alternative spatial configurations. To assist in the MPA planning process and future management, Domain 1 was thought in terms of three ecoregions (Northwestern and Southwestern Antarctic Peninsula and South Orkney Islands) that differ not only in their morphology, geology and ecology, but also in their current management and resilience to climate change.

The identification of PAC constitutes the initial step towards the development of a Domain 1 MPA that considers both conservation and rational use of marine resources. PAC can also serve other research and management strategies by providing areas where important benthic and pelagic habitats, processes and species spatially coincide, further improving the decision making process. 

In this regard, Argentina and Chile propose the Scientific Committee considers the PAC identified in Domain 1 and its relevance to the MPA planning process and other research and management strategies.

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 AntlantNIRO Institute in Kaliningrad (21–25 August 2017).

During the 2017 EMM meeting Norway was requested to act towards the industry to ensure catch reporting in accordance with the present conservation measure (CM 21-03) and to investigate potential errors in historic catches. WG-EMM-17 requested a plan for how this could be done and this paper describes the action taken to respond to the request. Most of the work will be carried out in the 2017/18 season but Norway will also work on a longer perspective to further develop methodology for precise green weight estimation.

This paper summarises issues discussed in WG-EMM-17/42 relating to the appropriate use of data in the Weddell Sea Marine Protected Area (WSMPA) planning process, and whether the approach taken to develop the WSMPA proposal (CCAMLR-XXXV/18) was consistent with past and ongoing CCAMLR MPA planning processes. These issues have wider implications for all CCAMLR MPA planning processes.

Norway underline the need for discussion and clarification on how consistency amongst CCAMLR MPA planning processes can be ensured. Ensuring that area-based management proposals are founded on a consistent and rigorous scientific basis will strengthen Norway's commitment to supporting such actions.  Norway further underlines our concern on matters pertaining to suitability of data, particularly with regard to MPA planning areas that include both data-rich and data-poor areas.

The MPA Special Fund was established in 2005 to support activities undertaken in respect of MPAs. Given recent progress by CCAMLR towards the development of MPAs, it is now timely to review the purpose of the Fund, and to update the terms of reference and practical guidance for how it is accessed and used. This paper makes recommendations on the following updates for consideration by the Scientific Committee:

i)    Terms of Reference for use of the MPA Special Fund

ii)    Guidelines on submission and review of proposals for use of the MPA Special Fund

iii)    Terms of Reference for the MPA Special Fund Correspondence Group