Managing fishing in the sub-Antarctic

Abstract

Harvesting of finfish in the sub-Antarctic is briefly described together with an historical account of its management by the international Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) under the Convention of the same name (CAMLR Convention). The key objectives of the CAMLR Convention afe outlined, with emphasis on the procedures adopted by CCAMLR to meet its management objectives through implementation of an ecosystem-based and precautionary approach. Four case studies are presented to illustrate CCAMLR's success as a modern-day and effective marine management organisation. The cases considered are CCAMLR's efforts to: (a) combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, (b) mitigate incidelltal seabird bycatch during longline fishing for toothfish, (c) institute precautionary management of developing fisheries and (d) address environmental protection. In evaluating CCAMLR's actions, emphasis is given to the challenges faced and lessons learnt thereby highlighting the organisation's standing as an example of international best practice in the management of marine living resources on the high seas.