ASOC
Introducing CCAMLR
The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) is responsible for conserving and managing the entire Southern Ocean ecosystem. But what is CCAMLR and how does it protect the ocean that surrounds Antarctica?
What is CCAMLR?
UNDERSTANDING CCAMLR
The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) is the international body responsible for the conservation of Southern Ocean marine life and ecosystems. This includes all living organisms found south of the Antarctic Convergence, and their relationships with each other and with the environment.
CCAMLR is made up of 26 Member countries and the European Union, which meet each year to make decisions on issues such as the closure and opening of fisheries in Antarctica, total allowable catches (TACs), and the designation of marine protected areas (MPAs). ASOC attends these meetings as an observer.
A brief history
UNDERSTANDING CCAMLR
Humans have been hunting and harvesting wildlife in the Southern Ocean for over 200 years. Antarctic seals and whales, were hunted through the 19th century, with several species brought close to extinction, including fur seals and blue whales. In the 20th century fisheries targeted a range of species, including mackerel icefish (Champsocephalus gunnari), marbled rockcod (Notothenia rossii), Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) and Antarctic toothfish (Dissostichus mawsoni), pushing their populations into localized decline.
In the 1970s, fishing nations turned their attention to Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba), a fishery which continues to grow today. Krill is a keystone species in the Antarctic food web, and a vital food source for Antarctic seabirds, seals, whales and fish. The growth of this unregulated industry raised concerns about potential harm to these important predators that feed almost exclusively on krill. CCAMLR was developed in response to these concerns.
The Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CAMLR), was adopted in May 1980 and entered into force in 1982.
The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) gives effect to this Convention, and is advised by a dedicated Scientific Committee (SC-CCAMLR).
A precautionary approach
UNDERSTANDING CCAMLR
While CCAMLR manages Southern Ocean fisheries, it differs from Regional Fishery Management Organizations (RFMOs) in a significant way. As an instrument within the Antarctic Treaty System, its objective is to take a precautionary, ecosystem-based approach to the management of Antarctic fisheries.
This means fishing should only be permitted if the Scientific Committee is reasonably sure that the harvest is sustainable and the ecosystem will not be harmed.
This makes CCAMLR unique, as its primary mission is conserving Antarctic marine ecosystems, while the focus of most RFMOs is simply managing fisheries without reference to overall ecosystem health.
Role of ASOC in CCAMLR
UNDERSTANDING CCAMLR
The Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC) participates in CCAMLR as an observer. Although we do not cast votes, we participate in the decision-making process and represent the position of the environmental community.
We do this by submitting policy papers, encouraging decision-makers to pursue outcomes that conserve and protect the Southern Ocean, and raising public awareness about Antarctic marine conservation.
Learn more about our work.
Marine protected areas
UNDERSTANDING CCAMLR
CCAMLR is responsible for designating and regulating marine protected areas (MPAs) in the Southern Ocean.
Like national parks on land, MPAs are designated areas of the ocean where some activities, such as fishing, are limited. They have been identified as an effective way to support healthy ecosystem function by reducing interference from human activities such as shipping and fisheries.
Proposals for Southern Ocean MPAs are put forward by CCAMLR Member countries and developed with the Scientific Committee. Once there is consensus that the proposal is based on the best available science, it is taken to the Commission, where all Members must agree to establish the MPA.
CCAMLR’s commitment
UNDERSTANDING CCAMLR
CCAMLR has been working towards creating a representative network of MPAs across the Southern Ocean since 2002. In 2009 all CCAMLR Members made a formal commitment to realize this network by 2012.
However, despite the efforts of many Members, CCAMLR’s own deadline has long since passed, raising questions about the organization’s effectiveness.
To date only two marine protected areas, covering 5% of the Southern Ocean, have been established. The South Orkney Islands Southern Shelf MPA, proposed by the United Kingdom in 2009, was the first international MPA to be established on the high seas. The Ross Sea Region MPA, initially proposed by the United States and New Zealand in 2012, came into force on 1 December, 2017, and is the world’s largest marine protected area.
UNDERSTANDING CCAMLR
Marine protected areas today
Between 2012 and 2018, CCAMLR Member countries proposed three new marine protected areas in the Southern Ocean. Despite widespread support from many Member countries, consensus has been difficult to achieve. All three proposed MPAs are still under consideration by CCAMLR.
“We need to change our behavior and work to protect nature instead of exploiting it. ASOC calls on CCAMLR to demonstrate leadership and fulfill their commitment to meaningful protection of the Southern Ocean.”
Claire Christian, ASOC Executive Director
Now that you’ve learned about CCAMLR, read on to find out more about Antarctic governance and industry.
Understanding CCAMLR
FEATURED LEARNING
