CCAMLR

We examined movements of tagged Antarctic toothfish (Dissostichus mawsoni) for subarea 48.6 in relation to life history hypotheses. Most of long-distance movements occurred in westward direction along continental shelf, which may be consistent with the single Atlantic population hypothesis (Söffker et al., 2018). Meanwhile, no migrations of tagged fish between northern seamounts (research blocks 48.6_2 and 48.6_3) and southern shelf areas (blocks 48.6_4 and 48.6_5), which correspond to spawning and feeding grounds, respectively, have been observed to date. The lack of tag movement between the two areas is similar to those observed in the Amundsen Sea region (SSRUs 88.2C-H) where few tags move between northern seamount area and shelf area. Therefore, population dynamic modelling approach developed for the Amundsen Sea region would provide useful information to understand tag movement patterns in subarea 48.6.

This paper reports that toothfish offal was found by observers in the stomachs of toothfish caught by the FV San Aspiring while operating in the Convention area, South of 60ºS. Hooks and snoods were attached to some of the offal.   

Ce document contient la version révisée du projet de mesure de conservation portant création d'une aire marine protégée dans le domaine 1 (ouest de la péninsule antarctique et sud de l'arc du Scotia) présenté l'année dernière dans le document CCAMLR-XXXVII/31.

La version révisée de la proposition d'AMPD1 répond aux questions pendantes soulevées par les Membres lors de la 37e réunion du Comité scientifique (Hobart, 2018). Les modifications apportées au modèle d'AMPD1 visent à réaliser les objectifs de conservation convenus lors des deux ateliers internationaux organisés par la CCAMLR (2012 et 2015) tout en cherchant à tenir compte adéquatement de la répartition de pêcherie de krill. Un document de support exposant les motifs des changements apportés a également été présenté (CCAMLR-38/BG/22).

Par souci de clarté, la nouvelle version de la mesure de conservation révisée est présentée, suivie en appendice de la version avec suivi des modifications.

It is shown that   the proposals for the establishment of an MPA in the Weddell Sea should be complemented by information on the commercial potential and future rational use for dominant fish species and krill  in the Subarea 48.5 and 48, 6.  

The areas for fishing activity and protection areas  in the Weddell Sea  should be managed by separate Conservation Measures.

It is shown that the WS MPA boundaries should be revised in compliance with sea-ice conditions for vessel navigation being a fundamental factor for the successful completion of assigned research tasks in designated areas.   Spatial planning in the Weddell Sea should make provisions that ice-free areas are areas for planning MPAs and fishing activities.

Gentoo (Pygoscelis papua) penguin colony population behavior/dynamics have been studied during 2018-19 season. The detailed observation of bird arrival, nesting, hatch and crèche has been provided in two colonies at GAI CEMP site at Galindez Island nearby the Vernadsky station. We inform on the results of visual survey of penguin population and penguin count. During the 2018/19 season biologist winterer at Vernadsky station at Galindez Island, provided continuous observations every day/each five days of gentoo GBV and GPP sites. The results of visual observations of penguin population changes are discussed. The two seasons of the data validation experiment have been provided for pictures from time-lapse cameras of the CEMP camera monitoring project of CCAMLR at Galindez Island gentoo (Pygoscelis Papua) penguin colonies are discussed. During 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons, biologists-winterers at Vernadsky station (Galindez Island), GAI CEMP site, provided daily observations of 15 gentoo nests chosen in the three monitoring sites GBW, GPP1, and GPP2, simultaneously with automatic time-lapse cameras picturing. The results of visual observations have been compared with data from camera pictures, which registered the same nests. The comparison of the events of lay, hatch, and crèche dates was undertaken. The preliminary results exhibit the reasonable correspondence within 0-3 days between visual observations and time-lapse camera data for both seasons. The standard deviation for each event varies from ±1 to ±3 days for 15 control nests at the three test sites. However the time delay in 1 to 3 days (7 days maximum) between the registered dates by camera and visual observations was recorded. This delay should be taken into account when the event dates from camera data analyzed without correspondent visual observations.

The scientific background in support of the Weddell Sea Marine Protected Area (WSMPA) has been discussed in the SC-CAMLR for 3 years. Some agreements has been reached in the SC-CAMLR, while substantial issues remain outstanding. China has actively engaged in those discussions and have provided serious and constructive suggestions on the issue.