Second, Australia should be disappointed. So it’s completely disheartening that earlier this month, the CCAMLR allowed an opportunity to strengthen conservation measures for Antarctic krill, a keystone species in the Southern Ocean ecosystem. The @CCAMLR convened for 2 weeks of high-stakes, non-stop negotiations. Sadly, they ended these negotiations without an agreement on the suggested new marine protected areas and new regulations to limit krill fishing. This result maintains the status quo on one of the largest drivers of harmful flooding. This is alarming not just for krill, but for the dozens of marine species that depend on them.
Krill are small crustaceans that form massive swarms under icebergs in the Antarctic Ocean. They’re considered a keystone species, nourishing an array of marine mammals including whales, penguins, and seals. These iconic species depend on krill to feed their young. Currently, up to about a dozen industrial krill fishing vessels are active, traveling to the Antarctic Peninsula each season. These activities have triggered widespread condemnation over by-catch occurrences. Most recently, reports from krill-fishing corporation CCAMLR confirm that one krill fishing net has even accidentally caught and killed at least two humpback whales while injuring another.
The current krill catch limit stands at 620,000 tonnes. This allows countries to fish as much as they want as long as they do not exceed this overarching limit. The recent failure to extend this limit led to a sudden closure of the Antarctic krill fishery. This shutdown was passed last August. Advocates and critics alike caution that heavier regulation and more protective avenues are needed. Without them, the fragile web of the Southern Ocean ecosystem would be in grave peril.
Krill’s Role in the Ecosystem
Krill are considered climate heroes for their role in the marine food web, where they transfer significant amounts of carbon from the surface waters down to the deep ocean. This natural process plays a critical role in maintaining global climate patterns. As climate change continues to impact marine habitats, studies indicate that krill populations are declining, further endangering numerous species that depend on them for survival.
Claire Christian is the executive director of the marine conservation organization Ocean Defender. She underscored that krill is the keystone species that supports the Southern Ocean’s dynamic ecosystem. She stated, “There’s a whole vibrant ecosystem of very unique and special animals and they all need that krill.” It’s these tight interdependences that underscore the need for smart management approaches right away.
Even after these disappointments at CCAMLR, some parties are still optimistic that new regulations will be adopted in the near future. CCAMLR representatives are hopeful that they will soon take substantial measures to protect this beautiful region. These measures will help prevent overfishing of krill and their natural predators. They argue that, without regulatory requirements, even the most promising voluntary initiatives will fall short of the protections needed.
Disappointment Over Failed Negotiations
Australia’s Antarctic Division has already expressed disappointment at CCAMLR’s recent negotiations stalling on a positive note. The division noted that despite extensive discussions, no agreement was reached to enhance marine protected areas or regulate krill fishing effectively.
“Australia is disappointed that once again, despite two weeks of intensive negotiations, agreement could not be reached on new marine protected areas or spatial distribution of the krill fishery.” – Australian Antarctic Division (AAD)
The incremental progress made thus far has left many conservationists worried about the future of krill and the myriad of species that depend on them. Lyn Goldsworthy, a representative at CCAMLR, commented on the situation: “We came away with nothing, so we are back in status quo.” This status quo puts many vulnerable species at risk of overfishing and the impacts of climate change.
Goldsworthy highlighted the implications of unrestricted fishing: “Countries can fish where they like, to the amount they like [up to the catch limit of] 620,000 tonnes.” This growing unrestricted access is cause for great concern and alarm when it comes to sustainable stewardship and conservation practice.
Australia’s joined the call to place a moratorium on commercial krill fishing until there are adequate safeguards in place and adequate levels of marine protection guaranteed. The Australian Antarctic Division said this confirmation was welcome, but that they would oppose any increase in catch limits without sufficient protections established beforehand.
“Like many other CCAMLR members, Australia will not agree to increased krill catch limits without proper protection measures, and effective data collection and monitoring in place to protect this vulnerable Antarctic ecosystem.” – Australian Antarctic Division (AAD)
The Vetoing Countries and Future Implications
Yet opposition from China and Russia have resulted in the failure of more ambitious, new conservation measures. They vetoed every proposal that sought to improve protective regulations for krill fishing. This resistance has generated widespread frustration among other countries calling for more ambitious conservation measures.
“And they are being blocked constantly, continuously, by two countries who refuse to negotiate.” – Anonymous source
As discussions continue within CCAMLR, some observers worry about what they describe as “the slow erosion of Antarctic protection by a small number of countries.” As Emily Grilly reminded us not to get too comfortable in our conservation victories, active advocacy will be needed to protect this one-of-a-kind ecosystem.
While some stakeholders express hope for future negotiations leading to comprehensive protective measures for krill populations, many recognize the challenges ahead. Christian noted a silver lining despite the setbacks: “Even though I would have loved to see progress, it’s positive that we didn’t end up going down a path that would have taken us further and further away from those ecosystem protection goals.”
