IMPLEMENTATION OF CCAMLR OBSERVER PROGRAM ON KRILL FISHERIES

The aim of this document is to serve as an objective guideline to decide on an appropriate observer coverage to understand overall behaviour and impact of the fishery. CCAMLR Observer data, together with haul-by-haul fine-scale data were used to identify the target SSMUs and the critical periods as baseline to evaluate the level of observer coverage needed to achieve the CCAMLR objectives. The analysis revealed that the key to a successful observer program is 100% participation by all Members in providing systematic observer coverage, with 100% vessel time coverage to ensure viable data collection. An urgent need for capacity building by all fishing nations is re-iterated so that a large number of qualified observers are able to be deployed for 100% vessel time to ensure acquisition of data.