Following SC-CIRC 23/52 and the Scientific Committee strategic workplan (SC-CAMLR-41, Annex 11), the Scientific Committee agreed terms of reference for its working groups.

Working Group on Incidental Mortality Associated with Fishing (WG-IMAF) as updated in SC-CIRC 23/52 and Annex 16 of SC-CAMLR-42

1.         The purpose of the Working Group on Incidental Mortality Associated with Fishing (WG-IMAF) is to contribute to the conservation of Convention Area seabirds and marine mammals through the provision of advice to the CCAMLR Scientific Committee and its working groups, including consideration of the impacts of climate change on its advice. To achieve this, WG-IMAF will address the following terms of reference:

(i)      the level and significance of direct impacts of interactions and incidental mortality associated with fishing

(ii)     the efficacy of mitigation measures and avoidance techniques currently in use, and improvements to them, taking into account experience from both inside and outside the Convention Area

(iii)    the level and significance of direct impacts of marine debris originating from fishing activities on seabirds and marine mammals within the Convention Area

(iv)    improvements to the reporting and data collection requirements regarding incidental mortality 

(v)     approaches to improve the conservation status of seabirds and marine mammals directly impacted by fishing outside the Convention Area, by collaborating and coordinating with relevant organisations that the Commission has a cooperative arrangement with, including with invited experts as required.       

2.         To provide any other advice, within its area of expertise, to the Scientific Committee and its working groups as directed by the Scientific Committee.

A list of the meetings (including reports) is available here.