In 2009 SC-CCAMLR identified a list of tasks to be considered intersessionally to progress a framework within CCAMLR to manage the risk that bottom fishing in the CCAMLR Area may produce significant adverse impacts on certain benthic habitats, termed Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs). One of the identified intersessional tasks was to produce a glossary of terms relevant to the management of VMEs (SC-CAMLR XXVIII, paragraph 4.251(iii)). We propose a glossary of terms relevant to VMEs, for wider consideration within CCAMLR, to improve understanding and facilitate clarity of communication in addressing VME issues.