CCAMLR

1. The 2017 UK groundfish survey took place over the South Georgia and Shag Rocks shelf on the FV Sil between the 30th January – 7th February 2017.

2. 72 random hauls were completed covering depths of between 100 and 350m.

3. Overall biomass of Mackerel icefish (Champsocephalus gunnari) was calculated at 91,049 t with a lower 1-sided 95% interval estimate of 37,514t. Mackerel icefish density was highest on the fishing grounds on the moraine banks of the NW stratum.

4. Clear regional differences in C. gunnari diet composition were observed. Krill were almost absent from fish sampled at Shag Rocks, at low levels in the northern strata of South Georgia and more abundant in the Southern strata. Although comprising 42% of diet by mass across all strata, the index of relative importance (IRI%) for krill was low (18%) whilst the amphipod Themisto sp. dominated diets (IRI% 77%).

5. Catches of juvenile Dissostichus eleginoides were low. A small peak in the length frequency distribution was present at lengths of 58-63cm (TL) indicating the presence of a cohort of 5+ fish.

6. Estimated biomass for the other icefish species were very similar to results obtained in 2015. However, the estimated biomass of Notothenia rossi was lower than observed in 2015 but was still the third highest seen in the survey time series.

7. HD camera footage was obtained from a headline-mounted camera at 12 trawl locations.

In this paper, COLTO and ASOC highlight important enforcement and compliance actions undertaken since CCAMLR XXXV and recommend further steps that CCAMLR can take to demonstrate leadership in compliance and enforcement as well as in environmental protection, including additional regulations for transhipments in the Convention Area; tightening legal loopholes for those involved in IUU fishing; implementing a system of satellite monitoring; supporting collaborations between industry and science; contributing to Interpol’s Project Scale; and considering ways to reduce the emissions produced by CCAMLR meetings.

ASOC commends CCAMLR for its historic decision in 2016 to designate a large-scale marine protected area (MPA) in the Ross Sea region, which will come into force on December 1^st this year. To continue momentum, CCAMLR Members must realize the extent of the commitment they made in 2009, and again in 2011 (CM 91-04) toward establishing a representative system of MPAs in the Convention Area. To realize this commitment, ASOC recommends that CCAMLR designate an MPA in East Antarctica this year, and in the Weddell Sea and the Antarctic Peninsula in 2018. Here ASOC provides an overview of these proposals and recommendations to ensure they meet their respective conservation objectives.

CCAMLR has a history of leadership in conservation and management, yet the outcomes of both performance reviews have demonstrated that there is significant room for improvement. Thus, ASOC recommends that as CCAMLR reviews the outcomes of the second Performance Review, it also considers how to implement outstanding recommendations from the first Performance Review. Implementation should take into account recommendations on the same issues from the second Performance Review as well as recent CCAMLR proposals and discussions on the issues. Key actions for CCAMLR from ASOC’s perspective are to create a representative system of MPAs, to refine compliance categories, to implement additional precautionary management measures in the krill fishery, and to support the implementation of a climate change response work plan (CCRWP).

Improving the management of the krill fishery is a key priority for ASOC. In this paper, we recommend several key actions that CCAMLR should take to ensure that management of the krill fishery remains highly precautionary and protects the needs of the full range of krill predators. Obtaining up to date krill biomass estimates, reviewing the CCAMLR Ecosystem Monitoring Program, reviewing decision-making frameworks in a workshop, implementing these approaches before the expiry of CM 51-07, and developing a better understanding of by-catch of other krill species are critical steps toward the development of a responsible science-based krill fishery.

The intersessional process to develop a Ross Sea Region Marine Protected Area (RSRMPA) has been extremely fruitful, and ASOC appreciates the work of the conveners and participants in drafting the plan. ASOC supports the implementation of the RMP, but recognizes it is a living document that will be refined over time. Thus, ASOC recommends that the importance of developing indicators and defining baselines should be highlighted more strongly; that baselines and indicators be identified where possible; that the linkages between research and monitoring priorities and the MPA’s objectives should be clarified; and that the use of geographic terms and references should be standardized.

ASOC strongly supports the development and adoption of a Climate Change Response Work Plan (CCRWP) by CCAMLR and the establishment of an Intersessional Correspondence Group (ICG) to support its implementation. The draft work plan focuses on the key climate change issues that ASOC believes CCAMLR needs to address. As climate change is expected to have significant impacts on Antarctic marine ecosystems, it is very important that the work plan achieves its intended outcomes. Therefore, ASOC recommends that the ICG conduct further prioritization and scheduling of work plan items, and implement a measurable, SMART approach to increase the effectiveness of the CCRWP.

This paper provides an update on the progress at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on the timetabling and development of a second phase of work on the International Code for ships operating in polar regions (Polar Code) which is expected to focus on non-SOLAS vessels (fishing vessels, pleasure craft, small cargo vessels). It leads to recommendations on the engagement of CCAMLR and CCAMLR Members in the work at the IMO and also identifies actions to be undertaken ahead of completion of the work at the IMO. The recommendations and actions will contribute to the necessary protection for the CCAMLR Convention Area.

In 2011, the Scientific Committee endorsed the procedure for training and accreditation presented in SC-CAMLR-XXX/08, and invited Members to participate in a trial of the initial review and technical peer review. These are described in Parts a–c of the proposed procedure for a CCAMLR observer training program accreditation scheme (COTPAS, SC-CAMLR-XXX, paragraphs 7.19 to 7.20, SC-CAMLR-XXX/8). The Commission endorsed the recommendations from the Scientific Committee (CCAMLR-XXX, paragraph 10.2).

The ad-hoc TASO noted that in order to receive high-quality data from the CCAMLR Scheme of International Scientific Observation (SISO), it is important that observers working in CCAMLR fisheries operate to a consistent set of standards. In an effort to achieve this, the Scientific Committee began development of a process to develop a set of minimum standards for observer training programmes. While a trial for the COTPAS scheme was introduced and endorsed by the Scientific Committee, the scheme has not been fully implemented.

In August 2017, New Zealand volunteered to submit its details of its observer training program in accordance with the requirements of SC-CAMLR-XXX/08, Appendix 1 to evaluate the New Zealand observer scheme against the COTPAS criteria. Following this submission, the Secretariat agreed to undertake an initial review following the instructions in SC-CAMLR-XXX/08. The submission of the observer programme against the standards determined by Scientific Committee would allow us to evaluate areas where we may improve and develop data quality and observer safety on New Zealand vessels.

As the review under Part b is now complete, we note that the review will be passed to the Technical Peer Review Group using a closed e-group of Members to undertake Part c of the COTPAS review.