Member countries of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) agreed on measures to conserve marine living resources in Antarctica at the 33rd annual meeting of the Commission, but did not reach consensus on two proposals on marine protected areas (MPAs).
Agreements focused on, inter alia: catch limits for CCAMLR-managed fisheries; the toothfish; and the southwest Atlantic krill fisheries.
October 2014: Member countries of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) agreed on measures to conserve marine living resources in Antarctica at the 33rd annual meeting of the Commission, but did not reach consensus on two proposals on marine protected areas (MPAs). Agreements focused on, inter alia: catch limits for CCAMLR-managed fisheries; the toothfish; and the southwest Atlantic krill fisheries.
On the toothfish, members agreed on a range of research to improve knowledge of the species’ biology and its ecosystem to support the fisheries’ precautionary management. They also supported enhancement of the Catch Documentation Scheme to enable better monitoring of toothfish movement from landing points to markets.
Participants agreed to share vessel monitoring data with the CCAMLR Secretariat as well as with relevant Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres to improve search and rescue operations in the Southern Ocean. Participants also agreed to hold a symposium to mark the 35th anniversary of CCAMLR.
Participants also discussed two proposals on MPAs. Australia, the European Union (EU) and France submitted a proposal to create a 1 million square kilometer MPA in East Antarctica. The US and New Zealand submitted a proposal to create a 1.3 million square kilometer MPA in the Ross Sea. Several members requested more time to consider issues related to the MPAs’ proposed size and duration, the process to support research and monitoring within the MPAs, and fisheries implications.
CCAMLR Executive Secretary, Andrew Wright, explained that “a range of views and national interests on complex issues such as MPAs in international waters creates a challenging environment for reaching consensus.” Agreement by all 25 CCAMLR Members is required for a proposal to be adopted.
Approximately 240 participants attended the 33rd meeting of the Commission, which took place in Hobart, Australia, from 20-30 October 2014. CCAMLR aims to conserve Antarctic marine life while providing for rational use. [CCAMLR Press Release on outcomes] [CCAMLR Press Release on meeting opening]