The need to reduce uncertainties in the Antarctic krill fishery

Abstract Interest in krill fishing continues to grow. To ensure that this fishery develops in accordance with Convention principles, CCAMLR must intensify efforts to reduce uncertainties. Lack of sufficient information about abundance of krill and krill predator populations, their distribution and seasonal variability, predator-prey relationships and the effects of climate change are delaying the establishment of krill catch limits among small-scale management units (SSMUs) in Area 48. Uncertainties over krill escape mortality and the impact of krill fishing on fish larvae and krill predators are also concerning. These are urgent issues and we call on CCAMLR’s Scientific Committee to make recommendations to address them and for the Commission act on them at this meeting.