Antarctica: CCAMLR fails once again to agree on establishing Marine Protected Areas
date: 31/10/2014
Together with Australia and France (on behalf of its overseas territories), the European Union had submitted a proposal to establish an East Antarctica Representative System of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). But despite the support of several CCAMLR Members, consensus between the parties could not be reached. The proposal for an MPA in the Ross Sea region, put forward by New Zealand and the United States, did not have better fortune.
Other areas of discussion made better progress. As in the past, it was agreed to set the Total Allowable Catch for species such as toothfish and krill strictly in line with scientific advice. The organisation has strengthened its compliance review procedure and embarked on a second performance review. It was decided to bolster efforts in the fight against illegal fishing through a new a pilot project using satellite surveillance. New multinational research fisheries plans were approved. CCAMLR also carried out a review of its Vessel Monitoring System and will work on its implementation between annual sessions. The next CCAMLR meeting will be held in 2015 from 19 October to 30 October in Hobart, Australia.