Sustainable Management in the Southern Ocean

Summary

The background to scientifically-based conservation and management of Antarctic marine living resources is outlined in the context of specific Antarctic Treaty provisions and other elements of the Antarctic Treaty System. The important role of science is highlighted as a means to address the objectives of the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CAMLR Convention) through managing harvesting in a precautionary manner and from an ecosystem perspective. Various case studies are presented to illustrate the CAMLR Commission’s (CCAMLR) progress in managing the fisheries for which it is responsible as well in dealing with ecosystem effects through the application of small-scale management units and institution of fisheries by-catch measures. Other case studies include CCAMLR- introduced spatial management and ecosystem-directed initiatives. The thesis is proposed that science has been the basis of CCAMLR’s perceived management successes and its status as an example of “best practice” for large scale marine ecosystem management.

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