Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources

Title abbreviation

CCAMLR

Title (French)

Convention sur la conservation de la faune et de la flore marines de l'Antarctique

Title (Other)

Übereinkommen über die Erhaltung der lebenden Meeresschätze der Antarktis

Place of adoption

Canberra

Depository

Australia

Language

English, French, Russian, Spanish

Entry into force

Apr 7, 1982

Subject

Fisheries, Sea, Wild species & ecosystems

Keyword

Biodiversity Data collection/reporting EIA Hunting/capture Protection of habitats Sustainable use Marine resources management Institution Management/conservation Total allowable catch Hunting gear/hunting methods International agreement-text Maritime zone Stock enhancement/repopulation Research Fishing gear/fishing method Wild fauna Monitoring Wild flora Protection of species Ecosystem preservation

Geographical area

Antarctica

Abstract

Objectives: To safeguard the environment and protect the integrity of the ecosystem of the seas surrounding the Antarctica, and to conserve Antarctic marine living resources. Summary of provisions: A Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, established, with the following functions: (a) To facilitate research into and comprehensive studies of Antarctic marine living resources and the Antarctic marine ecosystems; (b) To compile data on the status of and changes in population of Antarctic marine living resources, and on factors affecting the distribution, abundance and productivity of harvested species and dependent or related species or populations; (c) To ensure the acquisition of catch and effort statistics ob harvested populations; (d) To analyse, disseminate and publish the information referred to in subparagraphs (b) and (c) above, and the reports of the Scientific Committee; (e) To identify conservation needs and analyze the effectiveness of conservation measures; (f) To formulate, adopt and revise conservation measures on the basis of the best scientific evidence available; (g) To implement a system of observation and inspection; (h) To carry out such other activities as are necessary to fulfil the objective of the Convention. (Source: UNEP Register of International Treaties and Other Agreements in the Field of the Environment, 2005)

Comment

The objective of this Convention is the conservation of Antarctic marine living resources; applies to all marine areas south of the Antarctic convergence and to all living organisms including birds found in that area; whales and seals are, however, excluded to the extent that they are covered by other international agreements; the harvesting of species in the Convention area shall be conducted in accordance with the following principles of conservation: prevention of decrease in the size of any harvested population to levels below those which ensure its stable recruitment; maintenance of the ecological relationships between harvested, dependent and related populations; prevention of changes or minimization of the risk of changes in the marine ecosystem which are not potentially reversible over two or three decades; establishes a Commission to give effect to the objective of the Convention and to the principles mentioned above; empowers the Commission to facilitate research, collect scientific information and statistical data, analyze and disseminate such information, identify conservation needs, and adopt conservation measures; conservation measures include the designation of protected species, allowable catch, open and closed seasons, open and closed areas, special areas for protection and scientific study, and regulation of harvesting effort; decisions of the Commission are taken by consensus; also establishes a Scientific Committee to assess regularly the status and trends of the populations of Antarctic marine living resources, establish criteria and methods for conservation measures, analyze data concerning the direct and indirect effects of harvesting, and assess the effects of proposed changes in the methods or levels of harvesting; also provides for a system of observation and inspection

Full text

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Website

www.ccamlr.org

* [1] Ratification [2] Accession/approbation [3] Acceptance/approval [4] Succession [5] Consent to be bound [6] Definite signature

Other references

Treaty decisions

2 decisions related to this treaty. View decisions

Literature

60 records related to this treaty. View literature