Candidate baseline data for ecosystem indicators in the Ross Sea region. Part A: Brief presentation of data

A Research and Monitoring Plan for the Ross Sea region MPA (RSRMPA) has been endorsed by the Scientific Committee (SC-CAMLR-XXXVI/20). The Plan identifies research questions that aim to facilitate assessment of the degree to which the RSRMPA achieves its objectives. The Plan also identifies a set of indicators that, when observed or quantified, provide baseline data for key species and characterize the status of the marine ecosystem in the Ross Sea region. These baselines provide benchmarks from which to assess change and evaluate the performance of the MPA. Here, and in an accompanying background paper (SC-CAMLR-XXXVII/BG/xx), we suggest candidate baseline data for seven indicator species listed in the Research and Monitoring Plan and endorsed by the Scientific Committee. These candidates include zone-specific estimates of the mean densities of Antarctic krill, crystal krill, and larval and juvenile Antarctic silverfish in the RSRMPA; zone-specific estimates of the numbers of nesting pairs of Adélie penguins and adult emperor penguins; and region-wide estimates of the numbers of Weddell seals and Type C killer whales.