New mandatory requirements on navigation and voyage planning for fishing vessels operating in polar waters and other vessel matters

In this paper, ASOC reviews a range of issues relevant to the operation of fishing vessels in polar waters. In particular, there are new international regulations on navigation and voyage planning that will become mandatory for fishing vessels operating in the Antarctic Area in the coming season. To improve vessel safety and minimize the environmental impacts of vessel operations in the Southern Ocean, ASOC recommends that CCAMLR Members:

• review and update CCAMLR Resolution 23/XXIII and 34/XXXI in line with both the provisions of the Polar Code on navigation and voyage planning and the IMO Guidelines for safety measures for fishing vessels;
• develop a new CCAMLR Resolution requiring that the IMO Guidelines be followed by CCAMLR registered fishing vessels throughout the Convention Area, and make the IMO Guidelines for safety measures for fishing vessels of 24m in length and over available on CCAMLR’s website;
• sign and ratify the 2012 Cape Town Agreement for the safety of fishing vessels;
• ensure that the recommendations following the loss of the F/V Argos Georgia are brought to the attention of the IMO;
• develop an action plan to reduce lost, abandoned and discarded fishing gear and other sources of marine plastics relevant to fishing vessels such as microplastics from ropes and paints, including consideration of marking of fishing gear; and
• consider including the management of grey water from fishing vessels in the future workplan and encourage discussion of the management of grey water amongst all stakeholders including sharing information on management and best practices.