

Pressures affecting Antarctic fisheries
Pressures affecting Antarctic fisheries
Extraction of biotic resources—krill
This assessment summary component has changed from 2011.
- In 2011, 'extraction of biotic resources—finfish' and 'extraction of biotic resources—krill' were combined in 'extraction of biotic resources'.
The original 2011 summary, grade, trend and confidence levels have been replicated here to assist comparison of changes between reporting cycles.
Currently, krill catches are below the catch limits set by CCMALR. However, in the South Atlantic, the krill fishery is expanding. Environmental changes will negatively impact krill, which could make this species vulnerable
Rapidly increasing catches of krill and new fishing technologies threaten to outstrip the ability to sustainably manage fisheries
Extraction of biotic resources—finfish
This assessment summary component has changed from 2011.
- In 2011, 'extraction of biotic resources—finfish' and 'extraction of biotic resources—krill' were combined in 'extraction of biotic resources'.
The original 2011 summary, grade, trend and confidence levels have been replicated here to assist comparison of changes between reporting cycles.
The Australian EEZ off Heard Island and McDonald Islands, and Macquarie Island supports fisheries for toothfish and icefish that have a high level of independent monitoring. Government and independent bodies have assessed them as ecologically sustainable
Rapidly increasing catches of krill and new fishing technologies threaten to outstrip the ability to sustainably manage fisheries
IUU fishing for toothfish remains a serious threat in the Southern Ocean; impact is difficult to ascertain with accuracy, but it threatens the sustainability of harvested and dependent species.
Recent multilateral initiatives have led to the cessation of IUU activities off East Antarctica
Remains a serious problem in the Southern Ocean; impact is difficult to ascertain with accuracy, but it threatens the sustainability of harvested and dependent species
Some marine organisms are already affected by ocean acidification, including through reduced calcification of shells and exoskeletons. Current impact is probably low, but is expected to lead to measurable changes in the Southern Ocean ecosystem and change in species composition in the longer term
Some marine organisms already affected by ocean acidification, including reduced calcification of shells and exoskeletons; current impact is probably low but expected to lead to measurable changes in the Southern Ocean ecosystem and change in species composition
CCAMLR = Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources; EEZ = exclusive economic zone; IUU = illegal, unreported and unregulated
Assessment Summary Key
Grades
Very low impact
There are few short-term, reversible impacts from this factor
Low impact
There are transitory impacts from this factor, but they are locally restricted
High impact
There are significant impacts from this factor that may become irreversible in future and become effective regionally
Very high impact
There are predicted significant impacts from this factor that are irreversible, and impact is regional
Recent Trends
-
Improving
-
Stable
-
Deteriorating
-
Unclear
Confidence
-
Adequate: Adequate high-quality evidence and high level of consensus
-
Somewhat adequate: Adequate high-quality evidence or high level of consensus
-
Limited: Limited evidence or limited consensus
-
Very limited: Limited evidence and limited consensus
-
Low: Evidence and consensus too low to make an assessment
Comparability
-
Comparable: Grade and trend are comparable to the previous assessment
-
Somewhat comparable: Grade and trend are somewhat comparable to the previous assessment
-
Not comparable: Grade and trend are not comparable to the previous assessment
-
Not previously assessed
Comments
Overall, the assessment remains the same as in 2011.