Southern Ocean areas protected
The Australian delegation to the 30th meeting of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) were present when the historic decision was made to establish Antarctic marine protected areas. Photo: AFMA
At the beginning of November, the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) adopted a conservation measure to establish marine protected areas in the Southern Ocean.
This achievement was the culmination of two years of consideration by the Commission.
The key matters that AFMA (Australian Fisheries Management Authority) raised at the meeting were potential changes to access to vessel monitoring system (VMS) data; notifications for new and exploratory fisheries; illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing; compliance with conservation measures; and initiatives for developing states and non-members to promote cooperation with CCAMLR.
The effectiveness of Australia's cooperation in Southern Oceans operations, particularly relevant to deterrence of IUU fishing, was a highlight of the meeting with extended cooperation with other member countries to occur in the future. This cooperation will ensure effective management of Southern Ocean fish stocks that sustain Australian fisheries in the region.
The Commission manages Antarctic living resources by implementing conservation measures agreed to by 25 member states to the Convention. The meeting was well attended by all member states, including Australia, and representatives from non-government organisations (NGOs) and the fishing industry.
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