Australian Involvement in CCAMLR New and Exploratory Fisheries
In 2014–15 Australia participated in the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) Ross Sea Exploratory Fisheries for the first time. More information about CCAMLR Exploratory Fisheries can be found at www.ccamlr.org.
Each year AFMA and the Australian Antarctic Division prepares a Guide to CCAMLR New and Exploratory Fisheries to assist Australian companies or persons wishing to make an application for CCAMLR New and Exploratory Fisheries. Application(s), if supported by Australia, are submitted to CCAMLR for consideration at its annual meeting.
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Target species
Catch Allowance
Catch from CCAMLR New and Exploratory fisheries is managed by limiting the total allowable catch of fish, restricting the number of boats that can fish and regulating what gear can be used.
Value of Australian participation
Confidential due to the small number of operators.
Fishing Gear
Demersal longlining is the primary fishing method used.
Location
The CCAMLR area, which covers around 10 per cent of the Earth’s surface, extends beyond the area of boundaries of the Antarctic Treaty (60°S) and it roughly follows the Antarctic Convergence. The CCAMLR area is divided, for management purposes, into several statistical areas and sub-areas. Each is carefully managed with precautionary catch limits.
Major landing ports for Australian boats operating in CCAMLR New and Exploratory Fisheries
- New Zealand.
Fishing Season
CCAMLR New and Exploratory Fisheries fishing seasons vary between areas. The fishing seasons in Statistical Areas and Sub-areas are defined within the CCAMLR Conservation Measures at www.ccamlr.org.
Management of catch
CCAMLR New and Exploratory fisheries operate under competitive total allowable catches which allow a defined number of nominated vessels from CCAMLR member countries to fish. The CCAMLR Secretariat closes the fishery once the total allowable catch within a particular area is reached.
International Management
The fisheries operate in accordance with CCAMLR Conservation Measures, which are reviewed annually.