CCAMLR

Paper CAMLR-XXXIV/29 proposes an MPA for the Ross Sea region that includes a Special Research Zone (SRZ) along with three other General Protection Areas. This paper presents an analysis of sea ice within and surrounding the boundaries of the proposed SRZ over the past 16 years, the impact it has had on the fishery in the area during that time, and potential influences sea ice might impose on achieving the objectives of the proposed SRZ in the future. Based on historic satellite-derived sea ice coverage data, the upper shelf and slope areas within the SRZ (fishable depths) were accessible to fishing in about half of the fishing seasons. Over the past 16 seasons, the SRZ was accessible to fishing in January in 8 seasons, open later (mostly after the fishery closed) and never completely cleared in 4 seasons, and remained severely constrained by sea ice in the remaining 4 seasons. However, some catch was still removed from the area in constraining ice years (2010 and 2013). The main influence of sea ice on achieving the proposed objectives of the SRZ pertains to the deployment and subsequent recovery of tagged fish to examine movements and estimate exploitation rate within the SRZ.

This paper provides an early announcement  of the Third International Symposium on Krill that will be held from the 12-16 June 2017 at the University of St Andrews, Scotland.

MPAs are an important tool for biodiversity conservation with benefits for fisheries management. Since MPA planning commenced, CCAMLR has identified the Ross Sea as a key region in a representative system of Southern Ocean MPAs due to its scientific and biological value. The original joint US-NZ MPA proposed in 2012 was designed to meet an array of ecological and scientific objectives while also allowing for an economically viable toothfish fishery in the Ross Sea. Since 2012, Ross Sea region MPA proponents have continued to negotiate with all CCAMLR Members, taking into account their concerns, which are reflected in the current proposal. Through this document, ASOC highlights the revisions made to the current Ross Sea region MPA proposal, emphasizing that any further concessions will seriously undermine the ability of the MPA to meet its objectives. We also comment on the opportunities for research fishing throughout the Ross Sea, including in currently closed SSRUs and potentially in the Ross Sea region MPA. We further emphasize that a long duration for the MPA is of critical importance. ASOC encourages CCAMLR Members to adopt the Ross Sea region MPA proposal in its current 2015 revision.

This paper has also been submitted by ASOC in Chinese.

ASOC originally compiled this compendium to assist discussions at the recent 2^nd CCAMLR Symposium. We note that at last year’s meeting CCAMLR agreed to maintain MPA papers in one place on the web site for ongoing reference. ASOC recommends that CCAMLR also place key reference documents and papers on topics of importance relevant to CCAMLR’s broader work such as those included in this compendium in one place on the CCAMLR website for ongoing use and easy reference. This will assist in the maintenance of a readily accessible record of CCAMLR’s history, progress and discussions across the fuller range of its work and ensure that earlier discussions are always available.

ASOC hopes that this compendium may be a useful contribution to such a compilation and a useful resource for CCAMLR delegates at the current and future CCAMLR meetings, supporting valuable discussions to help CCAMLR meet its objectives and continue its leading role in the conservation of marine living resources through the application of the precautionary and ecosystem approaches.

This paper presents a document written by Dr. Robert (Bob) Hofman and submitted to the 2015 CCAMLR Symposium in Santiago, Chile. Dr. Hofman was a member of the United States delegation during the negotiation of the CAMLR Convention. ASOC has provided some additional background for CCAMLR’s consideration. As a participant in the Convention negotiations, Dr. Hofman has an in-depth understanding of the reasoning behind Article II and other aspects of the Convention. Dr. Hofman notes that that Convention explicitly requires that any harvesting activities only take place if the conditions specified in Article II, paragraph 3 of the Convention are met. Further, the language of Article IX(2)(g) makes clear that area protection is one of the measures that may be used to implement the ecosystem conservation approach. Consequently, the need to “balance” the ecosystem approach and area protection with the management of CCAMLR fisheries did not - and does not - arise. They are in fact integral parts of that management. ASOC emphasizes that to resolve the uncertainties about whether fisheries are being managed in accordance with Article II, CCAMLR should assess how MPAs or other measures could be used as reference areas. This would support a more effective implementation of Article II(3).

This paper has also been submitted by ASOC in Chinese.

This paper reports on progress at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on the adoption of a Polar Code for shipping in polar waters, and sets out the initial steps for a second phase on work that will address fishing vessels and other vessels not currently covered by the Code. The paper identifies the relevance for fishing vessels of various safety matters addressed in the Polar Code, on the basis of recent incidents in the Southern Ocean. Finally, it proposes measures on ice strengthening of fishing vessels and training of fishing vessel crews, which should be introduced by CCAMLR in the interim.

The high-profile chase and sinking of the Thunder was just one of many important enforcement actions taken against vessels suspected of engaging in Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing this year. ASOC and COLTO commend the cooperation between states, organizations and NGOs that led to these successes. There are a number of additional ways that CCAMLR could enhance its ability to prevent IUU fishing and ensure compliance with CCAMLR conservation measures. These include: the development of enhanced procedures for tracking vessel movements; implementation of a modern, flexible and traceable Catch Documentation System (CDS) and adoption of additional measures for overseeing transshipments; participation in satellite enforcement initiatives; intensification of action on nationals of CCAMLR Members potentially involved in IUU fishing; and improvements in the effectiveness of the IUU vessel lists.

ASOC strongly supports the decision of ATCM XXXVIII to hold a second joint workshop between the CEP and SC-CAMLR on climate change. In this paper, we suggest some ways to ensure successful outcomes for the workshop, including:  agreeing on a scientific baseline; compiling overviews of existing efforts; basing the joint work programme on the CEP’s Climate Change Response Work Programme; determining a process for information updates and exchange; considering mechanisms for temporary protection of areas affected by rapid climate events such as the collapse of an ice shelf; considering possible measures and decisions where climate change information would be required by the ATCM and CCAMLR; and facilitating the contribution of relevant observers and experts to the workshop. Coordination on this important issue is the only way that the ATS will develop an organized, responsive approach to addressing the impacts of climate change on the Antarctic environment.

Taking into account the practice and current state of krill fishery in Area 48, Ukraine proposed to consider the Conservation Measure 51-07(2014) in order to redistribute the trigger level of catch in 620 000 tonnes between Subareas in Area 48 in a new percentage limits and to encourage vessels to produce food for human "direct" consumption from krill. This revision will still enable to follow the precaution conservation principles of the Convention and in the same time will not inflict an economic damage to the krill fishery.