ASOC urges CCAMLR Members to engage in constructive discussions on the krill fishery management approach (KFMA) and the D1 MPA and find a way forward at CCAMLR-44. The concentrated fishing seen over the past season in Subarea 48.1 is extremely concerning, and CCAMLR must address this situation while maintaining high ambition on the KFMA and MPA. As discussions proceed at CCAMLR-44, ASOC encourages SC-CAMLR and CCAMLR to consider proposals in light of previous advice and recommendations, including those from SC-CAMLR. These include: using a staged approach to increase catch limits; ensuring that any increases in the catch limit are accompanied by increased monitoring of krill and krill predators; and harmonising the KFMA and the D1 MPA.
ASOC considers that the following elements are essential to the implementation of the KFMA and the establishment of a D1MPA: designation of the D1MPA with large no-take areas and extension of the proposed seasonal closures; definition of precautionary krill catch limits; adoption of smaller management units in Subarea 48.1, with an agreed process to advance implementation in other Subareas; agreement on mechanisms to reduce fishing effort if monitoring suggests evidence of ecosystem effects; establishment of a comprehensive ecosystem monitoring program covering key species, including large whales; and agreement on a stepwise approach that allows krill catch limits to increase over time.