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 2020 and 2021 seasons. The extrapolated total of 44 seabirds caught in 2020 is the lowest on record for CCAMLR fisheries. Three humpback whales were recorded as incidental mortalities in krill fisheries in 2021, the first mortality records for this species.

SOOS has been recognised by the Scientific Committee as having an important role to play in CCAMLR ecosystem monitoring and observation, and spatial management of impacts on ecosystems, climate change, and data delivery and management. Reciprocally, CCAMLR is important to SOOS as an international, scientific body that advocates for and collects observational data in the Southern Ocean.

In recognition of this, this Background Paper provides an update on SOOS data activities that are relevant to the CCAMLR community.

The working groups and skills of the SOOS community can support the design and implementation of ecosystem monitoring systems for CCAMLR areas, existing and proposed Marine Protected Areas (MPA). SOOS has been recognised by the Scientific Committee as having an important role to play in CCAMLR ecosystem monitoring and observation; and spatial observations of impacts on ecosystems, climate change, and data delivery and management.

This Background Paper provides an overview of SOOS’s regional working groups and observing system design capabilities; demonstrating how they can support the design and implementation of ecosystem and climate change monitoring, to complement CCAMLR and SCAR monitoring systems.

Based on an analysis of legal and scientific aspects regarding the current situation with the establishment of MPAs in the Convention Area, we examine procedural and implementational measures for regulating a unified process by which the CCAMLR Commission can, on a scientific basis, establish and manage MPAs. A Research and Monitoring Plan (RMP) is considered as an integral part of such a unified process.