CCAMLR

To prevent the entry of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) toothfish (Dissostichus spp.) into commerce, CCAMLR’s catch documentation scheme tracks shipments from the point of harvest through final import for consumption.  The move, in 2010, to a fully electronic Catch Documentation Scheme (e-CDS) has improved the tracking of toothfish moving in trade and decreased the potential for fraud.  It has greatly enhanced the ability of Members, as well as non-Members cooperating with CCAMLR by participating in the CDS, to ensure that the toothfish entering their markets were harvested in a manner consistent with CCAMLR conservation measures.  Other organizations and arrangements seeking to establish effective catch documentation schemes look to the e-CDS as a model of effective and efficient product traceability.  However, there are some improvements that could be made in order to clarify ambiguous fields, upgrade the CDS to take advantage of more modern electronic documentation tools in general, and ensure the requirements are operationally feasible.

Closed mostly within the Weddell Sea Subarea 48.5 is one of the closed data-poor CCAMLR subareas, where stock assessment should be carried out. In spite of hard ice conditions during most of the time of the year, this large water area is very similar with the Ross Sea. This similarity, which could be found in geographical location, bathymetric profile and current system, highlight the Weddell Sea as one of the most promising area for exploratory fishery of Dissostichus sp. However, fishery in subarea 48.5 is closed on the basis data on stock absence. The main objective of the present program is collecting data for reliable stock assessment and following estimation of precautionary limits in accordance with CCAMLR decision rules. The program contains several phases and prospected for 3-5 years. Detailed plan of fishing operations, collecting and analysis of data will be provided for the Scientific Committee and Commission consideration.

This paper provides a report in accordance with Conservation Measure 10-05, Annex 10-05/B, paragraph B2(ix) on the proposal for an African capacity-building workshop aimed at combating IUU fishing to be funded through the CDS Fund.  The proposal was submitted to CCAMLR-XXX in working paper CCAMLR-XXX/33.

This paper introduces a draft Conservation Measure for the designation of Marine Protected Areas for the protection of habitats and communities under ice shelves, glaciers and ice tongues. Adoption of this Conservation Measure would provide for the precautionary protection of new habitats after ice shelves collapse, and for protecting the establishment of new biodiversity as it develops in these areas. The draft Conservation Measure includes relevant management provisions and outline research and monitoring provisions, allowing for more detailed plans to be developed following the actual retreat or collapse of an ice shelf in the future.