Report on progress with the Southern Ocean Observing System (SOOS)

Abstract
This Background Paper reports on progress with the Southern Ocean Observing System (SOOS), noting in particular the importance of the SOOS to the work of CCAMLR and the key role of CCAMLR in implementation of the SOOS, for example through the CCAMLR Ecosystem Monitoring Programme (CEMP).

The SOOS plan has been made available for community comment (www.scar.org/soos) for a period of two months, with a deadline of 1 October. A final version of the plan will be circulated before the end of the year.

A SOOS Secretariat will be hosted by Australia to aid implementation. Details of the Secretariat are currently being finalized.