Antarctic Marine Living Resources:‘The Future is not What it Used to be’

Abstract

This chapter examines the notion that improperly managed marine living resource exploitation is a major challenge to the Antarctic marine ecosystem's future integrity and good function. The current marine living resource harvesting, management and governance prevailing in the Antarctic is outlined. The key objectives of the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources are highlighted, as is the role of its attached Commission (CCAMLR) in developing and promulgating ecosystem-based and precautionary management measures. A brief history of the Antarctic krill fishery is provided in the context of its dominant trends, potentially attendant global circumstances and possible harvest effects. Similarly, a summary of CCAMLR management actions outlines the current management regime for regulating the krill fishery. Key areas identified include the application of small-scale management units and ecosystem conservation/environmental protection measures. The latter include CCAMLR-sponsored activities associated with ecosystem assessment, environmental protection from fishing activities, small-scale research units to spread harvest risk, marine protected areas to conserve biodiversity, avoidance of damage to vulnerable marine ecosystems and mitigating potential climate change effects. In terms of predicting potential future trends for the Antarctic ecosystem in general, and krill fishery in particular, the future is contrasted to the past. Management achievements, failures and threats are identified. These are analysed in an objectively-based process to assess risk, uncertainty and the future in terms of a krill sustainability framework addressing ecological, social-ecological and socio-economic considerations. Key predicted impacts and ecosystem performance breakdowns comprise the following, in priority order: climate change, increased uncertainty, harvested stock sustainability, political will and compliance enforcement. Recognising that both effective governance and cost-efficient environmental management are at the center of sustainably managing Antarctic marine living resources and protecting their associated ecosystems in the future, a number of suggestions for further consideration are identified.