In 2020 CCAMLR agreed under agenda item 8 to establish an e-group aimed at facilitating discussions on reinforcing the objective of the Convention (CCAMLR-39, paragraph 8.10). It turned out that climate change, MPAs, IUU fishing, and the role of science have become the key issues of this e-group discussions. As a matter of fact, these issues are not of the same level in relation to the objective of the Convention and should be discussed in a hierarchical way. In retrospect, CCAMLR has in the past 40 years been exploring approaches to give effect to the objective and principles of the Convention. It has so far accumulated sufficient experience and achieved applauding successes. By reviewing previous CCAMLR and SC-CAMLR reports, we find that CCAMLR categorized the discussions on Article II of the Convention into three groups, from the objective to the approaches and then to conservation measures. Therefore, this paper suggests that the current discussions be built upon the previous CCAMLR practices and agreements, and each issue be discussed within the appropriate category to maintain continuity and coherence and to efficiently solve emerging issues.

This paper summarises information held by the Secretariat in relation to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and vessel activity relevant to CCAMLR from October 2020 to August 2021. Instances of unidentified fishing gear retrieved in the Convention Area are detailed in Table 1. Communication to non-Contracting Parties and responses received are detailed in Table 2. Proposed updates, amendments inclusions and removals to IUU Lists and vessel particulars are explained with recommendations to SCIC and the Commission.

During CCAMLR-39 the Commission agreed to establish an e-group aimed at facilitating discussions on reinforcing the objective of the Convention, to pave the way for the Commission’s 40th meeting, where the Commission may wish to send a clear signal of unity and cooperation to fulfil its obligations for the conservation of Antarctic marine living resources. The e-group launched in February 2021 and nine Commission members participated in these discussions: Argentina, Australia, Chile, the European Union, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, United Kingdom, and the United States. Most contributions to the debate included references to climate change, marine protected areas (MPAs), Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and compliance, strengthening of the Scientific Committee (SC), rational use of Antarctic marine living resources and, finally, the future of CCAMLR. This document proposes several recommendations in these areas, aimed at reinforcing the objective of the Convention, as well as a draft proposal of a Declaration to mark the occasion of CCAMLR-40.

Since 2005 a total catch of Antarctic krill in the Subarea 48 was constantly increasing, remaining, however, below the trigger level of 620 000 tons. Analysis of the catch data shows that an intensity of krill fishing was slightly growing with use of traditional (conventional) trawls (krill catch by conventional trawls in 2019 is up to 46% higher than such catch in 2008), however, the increase was much more significant in terms of the use of the continuous fishing system (the catch for krill in 2019 using the continuous fishing system was recorded at 460% of that in 2008).

Taking into account a step by step expansion of the continuous fishing system in the CCAMLR area, which can be considered as a strong factor for possible degradation of krill fishery by traditional (conventional) trawls, there is proposed to implement to the Conservation Measure 51-07 a limitation for the continuous fishing system fishery within the Area 48, establishing that only up to 70% of the total allowable krill catch can be harvested with the continuous fishing system.

This document summarises the items addressed in the Fifth Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly of the United Nations Environment Programme, which was held online on February 2021, with an agenda that focused on administrative and budgetary matters. As agreed, sessions will resume in-person in February 2022 to focus on core items on the agenda.