Reflection Paper on a Proposal for a CCAMLR Weddell Sea Marine Protected Area (WSMPA)

This paper follows-up on a number of consultations undertaken during 2015 with CCAMLR Members on a proposal for the establishment of a marine protected area in the Weddell Sea (Weddell Sea Marine Protected Area, WSMPA). Intersessional discussions have revealed the need for further reflection, especially on management and research and monitoring (R&M) measures before a WSMPA proposal could to be submitted to the CCAMLR's Commission and Scientific Committee for decision. To his end, the aim of the current paper is to obtain advice from CCAMLR Members on some relevant matters highlighted in the paper, including the development of possible research and monitoring questions and provisions.