In 2008, the CCAMLR Performance Review recommended that capacity in delivering scientific advice from the Scientific Committee (SC‐CAMLR) needed to be improved through (i) an increase in participation of relevant scientists, as well as (ii) the sharing amongst Members of the burden of acquiring data, analysing the data and the development of advice. This paper briefly synthesises discussions on these issues by the SC‐CAMLR in recent years. Given the complexity of the issues, it is proposed that the Scientific Committee further discuss the issue during its 2009 meeting and consider the formation of an ad hoc correspondence group to “Develop options to build SC‐CAMLR capacity in science to support CCAMLR” with the aim of providing a report on the following issues to SC‐CAMLR in 2010: (1) how to rationalise and reduce the work of the working groups, particularly to reduce the time that CCAMLR Members spend preparing analyses for the meetings and attending meetings, (2) the mechanisms that could be developed for sustainably increasing participation in the work of SC‐CAMLR working groups and developing an increased awareness and understanding of the work of SC‐CAMLR, and (3) the mechanisms that might be developed for resourcing scientific activities, including field programs, to deliver outcomes for and contribute to advice of SC‐CAMLR. It is also proposed that the ad hoc correspondence group consider, for each option, the role that the Secretariat might play and the costs and benefits associated with each option.
Abstract:
During CCAMLR-XXVII, France presented its action plan aimed at reducing considerably seabird by-catches by longliners operating in the Crozet and Kerguelen EEZs. The plan’s objective was to list the set of measures that France is implementing and will implement in the next few years to limit bird mortality. The aim of this paper is to provide a progress report on the resources employed by France since the initiation of the plan to limit bird mortality, and to present a brief report on by-catches for the period September 2008–August 2009. Furthermore, this paper has been written in response to a recommendation made to France during CCAMLR-XXVII to “urgently submit a strategic plan to eliminate seabird mortality” (SC-CAMLR-XXVI, paragraph 5.6 (vii) [sic]).
