ASOC
In July 2024, Members, scientists and observers of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) will meet in the Republic of Korea for a special workshop, known as the Harmonization Symposium. The goal of the Symposium is to develop a plan to establish a Marine Protected Area (MPA) and improve management of krill fishing in the Antarctic Peninsula region to better protect predators.
Why is the Antarctic Peninsula important?
The Antarctic Peninsula is a critical habitat for various marine species, including penguins, whales, and seals. It is also one of the fastest warming places on Earth. Protecting this area is essential to maintain biodiversity and ensure the survival of these species.
Why is krill important?
Krill are small, shrimp-like crustaceans that form a critical part of the Antarctic food web. They are found in dense swarms in the water surrounding the Antarctic Peninsula, where they serve as a primary food source for a wide range of marine species, including penguins, whales, seals, and various fish species. They also contribute to the ocean’s “biological pump,” a collection of essential biological processes that capture and store carbon. Krill’s significance in the Antarctic ecosystem cannot be overstated.
Despite their importance, krill are being threatened by climate change and concentrated fishing. As temperatures rise, the extent of sea ice, which is crucial for krill habitat, is declining, negatively impacting the krill population. Additionally, the krill fishery has concentrated on the Antarctic Peninsula krill population due to its ease of access and large swarms of krill. Krill are mostly harvested not for human consumption, but rather for aquaculture feed, nutritional supplements (fish or omega-3 oil), pet food, and cosmetics.
How is krill protected right now?
The krill catch limit in CCAMLR waters is established by two Conservation Measures. Conservation Measure 51-01 (CM 51-01) sets an overall precautionary catch limit to prevent overfishing of krill in the region. Conservation Measure 51-07 (CM 51-07) divides that catch into four spatial management zones in an attempt to distribute fishing pressure and minimize localized depletion. The provisions of CM 51-07 have not been significantly changed since their initial adoption in 2009, and therefore do not account for the impacts of climate change, shifting ice patterns, increased fishing pressure, or updated scientific data.
In 2009, CCAMLR agreed to develop a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to safeguard krill and other biodiversity in Antarctica. So far, only two MPAs have been designated. In 2018, Chile and Argentina proposed an MPA in the Antarctic Peninsula designed to safeguard the vital foraging habitats for Antarctic predators. The proposal currently includes both a general protection zone and a krill fishing zone. To date, CCAMLR has not been able to reach consensus on designating this MPA.
What is the goal of the Symposium this summer?
The symposium’s primary goals include developing a concrete plan to:
- Establish a Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the Antarctic Peninsula region based on the current proposal from Chile and Argentina
- Update the current krill fishery measure, CM 51-07, to better protect predators
- Ensure these measures work together and complement each other for the best ecosystem outcome
The goal is to ensure that both the ecosystem and the krill fishing industry can survive and thrive, even as the climate warms.
Why is the Symposium important?
The Harmonization Symposium is a unique opportunity to set a clear pathway towards making progress on CCAMLR’s 2009 agreement to a network of MPAs in the Southern Ocean. If all goes well, the July symposium will lay the groundwork so that during the October 2024 CCAMLR meeting, Members can achieve significant conservation objectives, including:
- Designation of the Antarctic Peninsula MPA, a crucial step towards achieving the global commitment to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030
- Better protection for predators, by spreading out the krill catch over different areas so that animals like penguins and whales have enough krill to eat
In one day…
A crabeater seal can consume 11,000 krill
An Adelie penguin can consume 1,200 krill
A blue whale can consume 3.6 million krill
What is ASOC doing?
ASOC encourages all CCAMLR delegations to prioritize active good faith participation by both their scientists and Commissioners at the Harmonization Symposium. Enthusiastic participation in the symposium is critical for all Members, regardless of their involvement in fishing or the Antarctica Peninsula MPA and is a major opportunity that should not be missed.
ASOC will be at the Symposium to encourage global leaders and scientists to make bold decisions that will help secure a healthier future for the Antarctic and beyond.