Hierarchical monitoring plans to determine patterns of change in the Antarctic Marine Ecosystem

In this paper we drawn comparison between the existing CCAMLR Ecosystem Monitoring Programme (CEMP) and plans to develop Research and Monitoring Plans for Marine Protected Areas. We recall the outcomes of the CEMP Review in 2003, and as a result highlight the intensity of monitoring required to detect change and to ascribe cause. We therefore propose that CCAMLR build even stronger links with SOOS to ensure relevant data are available. We highlight that a hierarchical approach to monitoring could be employed to detect the first signs of change.