On the use of scientific observers on board krill fishing vessels

Wide-scale monitoring of the status of Antarctic krill resources had been previously conducted by the USSR and its results still allow scientist to prepare forecasts of changes in the ecosystem. However, at present such monitoring seems difficult. Taking into account these points, Ukrainian scientists requested that draft amendments to a number of CCAMLR Conservation Measures be considered to make the System of International Scientific Observation compulsory in Antarctic krill fisheries. Indeed, a widespread introduction of scientific observation on krill fishing vessels can help to ease the existing deficit of fishery-independent krill surveys.