The Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, also called the CAMLR Convention, is part of the Antarctic Treaty System.
The convention was signed by countries on August 1, 1980, and became effective on April 7, 1982, by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). This group is based in Tasmania, Australia. Its purpose is to protect marine life and the environment in and near Antarctica.
The convention was created because of worries that catching too much krill in the Southern Ocean could cause big problems for other sea animals that need krill for food.
In 1989, CCAMLR created the Ecosystem Monitoring Program (CEMP) to check the effects of fishing and harvesting species in the area.
On October 19, 2022, Ecuador became a new member of the commission, making it the 26th country in the CCAMLR.
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
In 2009, the Commission agreed by consensus to create a representative network of marine protected areas (MPAs) by 2012. This was the first time an international group did this, following advice from the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development. In 2011, the Commission identified nine planning areas to help decide where these protected areas would be located.
In 2009, the Commission also agreed by consensus to establish the world’s first high-seas MPA to protect the ocean around the South Orkney Islands in the south Atlantic Ocean. The UK proposed this area, which covers 94,000 square kilometers. It became active in May 2010.
In 2010, the United States and New Zealand each proposed an MPA in the Ross Sea. These proposals were later combined into one joint plan.
In July 2013, the Commission held a special meeting in Bremerhaven to review proposals for MPAs in the Ross Sea and East Antarctica. No agreement was reached because Russia voted against the proposals, saying it was unclear if the Commission had the right to create protected areas.
On October 28, 2016, after many years of scientific and diplomatic discussions, the Commission agreed by consensus to create the Ross Sea MPA during its annual meeting in Hobart. This protected area covers 1.55 million square kilometers of ocean. Seventy-two percent of this area is a no-take zone, where fishing is not allowed. The remaining 28% allows limited fishing and krill harvesting for scientific research.
The Ross Sea MPA will remain in effect for 35 years. After its review period ends in 2052, members of the Commission must agree by consensus to renew or change it if needed.
In 2010, Australia, France, and the European Union proposed an MPA in East Antarctica. The original plan included seven areas with different levels of protection, covering 1.8 million square kilometers of ocean. By 2017, the proposal was changed to include only three areas covering about 1 million square kilometers. This change happened because some member states raised political and economic concerns. The proposal was also updated to include a 30-year expiration date and the ability to review its management every ten years. The Commission has been considering this proposal since 2012.