CCAMLR

A precautionary catch limit for krill was established for CCAMLR Division 58.4.1 in 1996 based on the results of an acoustic survey (BROKE) of the southernmost 873,000 km2 of this area (CCAMLR 1996). Detailed subsequent analysis of the results of this survey have indicated that Division 58.4.1 is not meridionally homogeneous in its oceanographic or biological characteristics. Division 58.4.1 can be divided into two approximately equal sized subdivisions: 80-115?E and 115-150?E on the basis of environmental data. Krill is more abundant in the western subdivision and its biomass is more latitudinally extensive in this area. This observed pattern appears to be historically stable. Because of the unequal distribution of krill in this Division, and because of its extremely large size (4.68 million km2) we propose the formal subdivision of Division 58.4.1 into two based on the analysis of the scientific data collected on BROKE. The revised krill biomasss estimates for these areas are: 3.04 million tonnes for the western portion and 1.79 for the eastern one. We suggest the calculation of new precautionary catch limits for the two subdivisions of Division 58.4.1 based on the revised krill biomass estimates.

This paper describes the current status and possible further development of the CCAMLR Website as it is used to support the work of WG-EMM.

The development of CEMP indices derived from visual data (indices F1, F3 and F4), automatic weather stations and satellite imagery is explored with reference to the CEMP sites at Edmonson Point (Terra Nova Bay, Ross Sea, Subarea 88.1) and Béchervaise Island (Mawson, Eastern Antarctica, Division 58.4.2). Possible links between the extent or sea-ice adjacent to CEMP sites, weather conditions at or near CEMP sites, and the dynamics of penguins during the breeding season are discussed.

The CCAMLR Ecosystem Monitoring Program uses indices derived from data on indicator species and the environment collected by standard methods within the three Integrated Study Regions of the Convention Area. Standardised index values are re-calculated each year as new data become available, and trends and anomalies in these data are presented.

Fisheries targeting krill (Euphausia superba) in the CCAMLR Convention Area during 1998/99 caught 103318 t of krill, and preliminary information indicates that the catch in 1999/00 will exceed 82913 t. Krill caught in 1998/99 was taken in Subareas 48.1 (38% of total catch), 48.2 (49%) and 48.3 (13%). As in recent past years, only grounds in Area 48 were fished. Catch and effort data and observer data submitted to the Secretariat are discussed, together with other information on krill obtained at the request of WG-EMM.