Updates from CCAMLR 42
ARK was pleased that CCAMLR 42 renewed Conservation Measure 51-07, distributing annual krill catches into four Subareas covering the Antarctic Peninsula, South Orkneys, South Georgia and Scotia Sea Arc. The Commission agreed that the revision of Conservation Measure 51-07 was an urgent matter and requested the Scientific Committee to finalise the acoustic survey methodology as a high priority.
The Scientific Committee agreed to implement an updated ecosystem-based krill management plan, in conjunction with a revision of spatial protection measures, which will be discussed in an upcoming symposium in July 2024. The Commission welcomed ARK's undertaking to co-fund the symposium.
ARK presented a report to CCAMLR 42 to advise that during the 2022/23 season ARK members conducted 9 krill surveys in Subarea 48.1 and 13 in 48.2, which this year had also included Gerlache Straight, an area previously identified as data poor.
ARK also presented a paper recommending measures to enhanced safety and transparency in the krill fishery, including taking actions to ensure that all vessels in the vicinity of fishing grounds have the required flag state and Antarctic sailing permits. This later proposal stems from concerns arising after the 2023 Sea Shepherd incident, which posed a risk to navigation an sets an unfortunate precedent as private patrol vessel, independent of the CCAMLR System of Inspection and implies that the krill fishery management is not adequately monitored or controlled.
The Commission agreed that the reported incident was of concern and believed that Antarctic Treaty Members whose vessels operate in Antarctica should ensure that their flag vessels have the appropriate national permits to operate in Antarctica.
ARK fielded its largest delegation at a CCAMLR meeting and was pleased to welcome its newest Member - Jiangsu Sunline Deep Sea Fishing Co, operator of the purpose-built krill vessel FV Shen Lan.
ARK was also happy to host a very enjoyable function attended by a large number of delegates.