In this paper ASOC makes the case for CCAMLR to move swiftly to begin the process of designating networks of comprehensive, adequate and representative marine protected areas including marine reserves in the Southern Ocean. Recent progress on the global agenda to implement of marine protected areas on the high seas is discussed to inform and spur action. This process should be informed by extensive information from within CCAMLR, the Madrid Protocol and other international bodies to inform decisions on which criteria should be used to designate networks of marine protected areas with representativeness being the key criteria. The outcomes of the 2007 CCAMLR Bioregionalisation Workshop provide sufficient biogeographical framework for the process to move forward using the precautionary approach and begin designating networks of representative marine protected areas.

Lack of adequate governance of the high seas areas has resulted in the continued degradation of ocean and marine habitats. Ȁ e ecosystem approach, which comprises integrated, precautionary management policies, can be an important tool to reverse this situation. CCAMLR was a pioneer in the incorporation of an ecosystem approach to the conservation and management of marine living resources, and continues to be a leader in its implementation. Ȁ rough its actions at scientific, institutional and compliance levels, it has attempted to balance conservation objectives with the maintenance of commercial fisheries. CCAMLR has many achievements in this regard, but needs to face new challenges posed by the expansion of fisheries, including illegal, unre-ported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, if it is not to abandon the core conservation principles embodied in the Antarctic Treaty. Other regional fishery bodies that have committed themselves to incorporating the ecosystem approach in their regimes can learn important lessons from CCAMLR’s successes and also from its difficulties. Incorporating the ecosystem approach is an ambitious goal, but one that can contribute significantly to ocean governance.

In this paper, ASOC draws CCAMLR’s attention to the most pressing issues in relation to the ecosystem-based management of the krill fishery, including the adoption of a conservation measure that ensures systematic scientific observer coverage, the development of a coordinated research plan to address key scientific uncertainties at the SSMU level in Area 48, and the consideration of feedback management approaches in this Area as soon as possible. In addition, ASOC maintains that CCAMLR should take precautionary measures to prevent concentration of catches in coastal areas as the fishery approaches the interim catch limit in Subareas 48.1-48.4, and that a standardized method for green weight krill catch reporting should be developed and required.