ARK awards inaugural prize to Krill Scientific Observers
The prize recognizes the crucial role of onboard scientific observers in managing the CCAMLR krill fishery.
ARK awarded the First Krill Scientific Observer Prize, recognizing their significant work for better fishery management under CCAMLR. Dr Kim received the award on behalf of Bokyun Choi, who had been deployed on the FV Sejong for six months.
CCAMLR’s approach to fisheries management relies heavily on regular data collection detailing fishing operations, target and associated species, and other environmental variables. This vital information is gathered by qualified scientific observers who spend months at sea, collecting data crucial for managing the krill fishery. “Scientific Observers are our eyes and ears in the Southern Ocean for ecosystem monitoring purposes” said Isaac Forster, CCAMLR Fisheries and Observer Reporting Coordinator.
Scientific observers collect essential data on target species, such as length, sex, and maturity state (e.g., juvenile/adult), determine bycatch composition (e.g., non-target species), and monitor interactions with marine mammals and seabirds. They also execute specific scientific data plans, such as tagging fish or collecting stomach samples for dietary analysis, as directed by the Scientific Committee of CCAMLR. As Mr Forster noted “stock assessments, quantification of bycatch, and determining interaction rates with seabirds are marine mammals, would not be possible without data collected by Scientific Observers.”
Despite their invaluable contributions, the participation of scientific observers in CCAMLR Scientific Working Groups is generally limited to the data forms and reports that each observer submits after their deployment.
To recognize their significant contributions, ARK launched the 'Krill Scientific Observer Prize' in October 2024. “Every year, we receive thousands of krill length measurements, sex and maturity stage readings, and general observations about krill fishing operations. These observations are later used by CCAMLR scientists to improve krill fishery management. To honour their contribution, we are launching this prize, which acknowledges the efforts of these largely anonymous observers. Moving forward, we will select three scientific observers each year based on their time spent at sea and the quality of the data they provide.” noted Dr Javier Arata, ARK’s Executive Officer. The prize recipients will receive a Certificate of Recognition and a cash award.
The winners for 2024, chosen for their performance during the fishing season 2022/2023, are:
First Prize, Bing Su, deployed on the FV Shen Lan
Second Prize, Viktor Podhornyi, deployed on the FV More Sodruzhestva
Third Prize, Bo Kyun Choi, deployed on the FV Sejong