South Orkney Islands Southern Shelf Marine Protected Area: preliminary report for 2024 MPA review

The South Orkney Islands Southern Shelf (SOISS) MPA was established in 2009 with the aim of contributing towards the conservation of marine biodiversity in Subarea 48.2, providing a scientific reference area, and conserving important predator foraging areas and representative examples of pelagic and benthic bioregions (CM 91-03). The SOISS MPA was reviewed in 2014 and 2019, and the next review is due in 2024.  This preliminary report provides some initial information relevant to the 2024 review of the SOISS MPA in accordance with CM 91-03, including information on fishing activities in Subarea 48.2, research and monitoring activities undertaken by the UK, Norway, Uruguay, Argentina and France, and updates on the key ecosystem indicators identified in the draft RMP. Members are encouraged to contribute further information as available, for inclusion in an updated MPA Report to SC-CAMLR-43.