Introduction to the SCAR Action Group on Fish (SCARFISH)

Research activities within SC-CAMLR and WG-FSA in relation to fish have focused primarily on assessing the stock status of harvested/targeted and bycatch species within the Convention Area. Within CCAMLR’s ecosystem approach to management it is important to incorporate more comprehensive/wider fish-related research to improve our understanding of Southern Ocean ecosystems, including broader fish ecology and species resilience to climate change. Here, we introduce a dedicated SCAR Action Group on Southern Ocean fish (SCARFISH), to serve as a conduit to support communication between CCAMLR and the wider Southern Ocean fish research community, and broaden participation of Southern Ocean fish researchers across a widespread scope of diversity. The three overarching aims of SCARFISH are to: 1) Identify fish research gaps and foster collaboration and coordination to fill those gaps; 2) Synthesize fish research needs from CCAMLR and work to integrate more comprehensive Southern Ocean fish research into CCAMLR; and 3) Broaden diversity of researchers in Southern Ocean fish research. SCARFISH will achieve these goals by organizing meetings and workshops that are open to the broader fish research community. The initiative focuses on co-developing funding proposals and preparing peer-reviewed publications that summarize research gaps and suggest new directions. Additionally, SCARFISH is committed to dedicating resources to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in Southern Ocean fish research We propose that SC-CAMLR and WG-FSA be active collaborators across all of these activities, along with existing SCAR groups. Public engagement will also be a valuable part of SCARFISH, including the creation of a website and outreach materials to be used by the science community to engage with a wider public including policymakers.