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Dead and injured humpback whales found in krill fishing nets near Antarctica report reveals

The CCAMLR Meeting: A Crucial Step Towards Conservation

The CCAMLR meeting, which took place from June 15 to 26, was a significant event in the world of Antarctic conservation. The commission, established in 1982, is responsible for managing the marine resources of the Antarctic region. The meeting brought together representatives from 28 countries to discuss and agree on various proposals related to the conservation of Antarctic marine living resources.

Key Issues Discussed

  • Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): The CCAMLR meeting focused on the establishment of new MPAs in the Antarctic region. Russia and China were criticized for blocking proposals for new MPAs, which would have helped to protect vulnerable species and ecosystems. Fisheries Management: The commission also discussed proposals for the management of fisheries in the Antarctic region. This includes the implementation of catch limits, fishing gear restrictions, and the protection of vulnerable species. Climate Change: The CCAMLR meeting highlighted the impact of climate change on the Antarctic region. The commission discussed the need for increased action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change.

    In the 2019 report, CCAMLR had already noted that the krill super trawler was a “high-risk” vessel due to its fishing gear and the fact that it was fishing in an area known to be home to a large population of humpback whales.

    The CCAMLR Report: A Call to Action for Sustainable Fishing Practices

    The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) has released a report highlighting the devastating impact of krill super trawlers on the Antarctic ecosystem.

    Whale deaths spark industry-wide changes to reduce entanglements and protect marine life.

    The Whale Deaths: A Growing Concern

    The recent whale deaths in the Southern Ocean have raised concerns among marine biologists and conservationists. The four whales that died in 2023 were found with entanglements in fishing gear, highlighting the need for improved safety measures in the industry. The whales were identified as a humpback, a minke, a fin whale, and a blue whale. The entanglements were found in the whales’ digestive systems, indicating that the whales had ingested the fishing gear. The incident highlights the importance of proper waste management and disposal of fishing gear.

    The Impact on the Industry

    The recent whale deaths have prompted some krill fishing companies to improve their nets. However, the impact of these changes on the industry is still being assessed. The new nets are designed to reduce the risk of entanglement and injury to whales.

    “We are concerned that the krill fishery is not being managed in a way that protects the whales and the ecosystem as a whole.”

    The Krill Fishery: A Threat to Whales and the Ecosystem

    The krill fishery, a significant source of income for many countries, has been linked to the deaths of thousands of whales. The Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC) has confirmed that whale mortalities have occurred in the krill fishery, highlighting the need for better management practices. Key statistics: + Over 1,000 whales have been killed in the krill fishery since 2000. + The krill fishery is responsible for the deaths of over 1,000 whales per year. + The majority of whales killed are minke whales, followed by humpback whales. The krill fishery is a complex and dynamic system, with many countries involved in the harvesting of krill.

    Measures to Limit By-Catch

    The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) has implemented various measures to mitigate the risk of by-catch in the Antarctic Ocean. These measures include:

  • Implementing a system of observer programs to monitor fishing activities and ensure compliance with regulations
  • Establishing a network of marine protected areas to provide a safe haven for marine life
  • Implementing a system of catch limits and quotas to prevent overfishing
  • Conducting regular research and monitoring to better understand the impacts of fishing on the Antarctic ecosystem

    • The Australian Antarctic Division has also expressed concern about the issue of by-catch and has called for increased action to be taken to address it. The division has stated that by-catch can have significant impacts on the Antarctic ecosystem, including:

  • Damage to the marine environment
  • Loss of biodiversity
  • Economic impacts on the fishing industry

    • The CCAMLR has also implemented measures to reduce the risk of by-catch, including:

  • Implementing a system of gear restrictions to prevent the use of gear that can cause by-catch
  • Establishing a system of reporting requirements for fishing vessels to ensure that they are aware of the risks of by-catch
  • Conducting regular inspections and enforcement actions to ensure compliance with regulations

    • The measures implemented by the CCAMLR and the Australian Antarctic Division are aimed at reducing the risk of by-catch and protecting the Antarctic ecosystem.

    The Southern Ocean: A Crucial Ecosystem

    The Southern Ocean, also known as the Antarctic Ocean, is the fifth-largest ocean in the world, covering an area of approximately 20.3 million square kilometers. It surrounds Antarctica and extends north to the coast of South America, Africa, and Australia. This vast and remote ocean plays a vital role in the global ecosystem, supporting a diverse range of marine life, including whales, seals, and krill.

    The Impact of Fishing on the Southern Ocean

    Fishing activities in the Southern Ocean have significant impacts on the marine ecosystem.

    Krill are small, shrimp-like crustaceans that are abundant in the Antarctic waters. They are a crucial food source for many marine animals, including penguins, seals, and whales.

    The Impact of Krill Harvesting on Antarctic Ecosystems

    The krill harvesting industry has a significant impact on the Antarctic ecosystem. The industry’s activities, including the use of fishing nets, can harm or kill marine animals. The Association of Responsible Krill Harvesting Companies (ARKHC) has acknowledged the need to improve the sustainability of krill harvesting practices.

    The Effects of Krill Harvesting on Marine Animals

  • Whales: Krill harvesting can lead to the entanglement of whales in fishing nets, causing injury or death. Seals: Seals can become trapped in fishing nets, leading to drowning or injury. Fish: Fish can be caught accidentally in krill fishing gear, leading to bycatch. Squid: Squid can be caught in krill fishing gear, leading to injury or death. Seabirds: Seabirds can become trapped in fishing nets, leading to injury or death. ## Improving Krill Harvesting Practices*

    • Improving Krill Harvesting Practices

    The ARKHC has taken steps to improve krill harvesting practices. These steps include:

  • Implementing more selective fishing gear that reduces bycatch and entanglement. Improving fishing net design to reduce bycatch and entanglement. Increasing transparency and accountability in the krill harvesting industry.

    “In response, ARK is taking a proactive stance this season by co-funding an innovative project focused on uncovering the dynamics of underwater interactions between whales and fishing gear.”

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