The Antarctic ecosystem is confronting complex challenges driven by climate change and growing concentration of the krill fishery. Despite years of acknowledgment by CCAMLR, these issues remain largely unaddressed, while new threats such as potential introduction of avian influenza and plastic pollution are emerging. This raises concerns about the fishery's compliance with the CAMLR Convention's conservation mandate.
This paper emphasizes the urgent need for CCAMLR and its Scientific Committee to take immediate actions. These actions include designating the proposed Domain 1 Marine Protected Area (MPA), bridging scientific gaps in the agreed krill work plan to achieve a preferred management strategy, and strengthening scientific and compliance monitoring.