A PROPOSAL TO AMEND CONSERVATION MEASURE 24-01: THE APPLICATION OF CONSERVATION MEASURES TO SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

SC-CAMLR and its working groups have previously identified the lack of review of scientific research conducted within the CCAMLR Area as a key issue. At the 2007 CCAMLR meetings, there was agreement that Conservation Measure 24-01 should be reviewed to ensure that it is consistent with its intended purpose. Furthermore, SC-CAMLR agreed that if surveys are to be approved under this measure, they must provide a reasonable certainty that the state of knowledge will be advanced, and as such all notifications which propose taking toothfish should be required to forward research proposals to WG-FSA for review. Noting the recommendations of SC-CAMLR Australia proposes that revisions be made to Conservation Measure 24-01 to ensure that: • Scientific research proposals for vessels using long line gear and taking more than one (1) tonne of Dissostichus spp. would be subject to review by SC-CAMLR; • Scientific research proposals for vessels using trawl gear and pots and taking more than ten tonnes of Dissostichus spp. would be subject to review by SC-CAMLR; • Scientific research proposals for vessels using fishing gear other than specified and taking more than zero (0) tonnes of Dissostichus spp. would be subject to review by SC-CAMLR; • Scientific research proposals for vessels taking more than ten tonnes of Champsocephalus gunnari would be subject to review; • Summary results are made available to all Members via the Member-only part of the CCAMLR website, and full reports are submitted to SC-CAMLR, the results of which are considered by the Committee and its working groups; and • Conservation Measure 10-04 (Automated satellite-linked Vessel Monitoring Systems) applies to scientific research undertaken in the CCAMLR Area.