A self-imposed deadline threatens CCAMLR’s science-based legacy of conservation

If, by 1 December 2021, the total allowable catch of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) in the Scotia Sea is not distributed in time and space, the objective of the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources will be jeopardized. The stated objective of the Convention is conservation (CCAMLR 1980), and the management provision that distributes krill catches throughout the Scotia Sea expires this November. This provision mitigates the risks that concentrated fishing will adversely affect krill predators. Unless the 26 Members of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) achieve consensus to extend this provision or establish an alternative that suitably limits concentrated fishing, some krill predators are likely to be negatively affected. More generally, if CCAMLR does not act to diversify the footprint of krill fishing we expect this socio-ecological system to be less resilient to climate change. If an alternative spatiotemporal distribution of catches is not agreed, it is imperative that the current management strategy, though arguably flawed, be retained to prevent a backslide away from conservation.