Combined Commission, Scientific Committee, SCIC and SCAF responses
to Performance Review recommendations

PROGRESS RESPONDING TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE PERFORMANCE REVIEW - COMMISSION

2008 (CCAMLR-XXVII, paragraphs 17.1 to 17.18)

The Commission welcomed the comments from the SCIC, SCAF and Scientific Committee Chairs. The Commission generally endorsed the Performance Review Panel’s view (CCAMLR-XXVII/8, Item 2.1) on the relationship between CCAMLR and the Antarctic Treaty. It noted in particular the need to reinforce the obligation set out in Articles III and V (and IV.1) of the Convention. The Commission also noted that implementing these recommendations into actual Commission decisions would require formal presentation of detailed proposals by Members (paragraph 17.14).

At CCAMLR-XXVII several Members raised separate issues relating to the Performance Review. They included Japan in respect of the priority cross cutting issues such as IUU, the relationship between the recommendations of the Review and elements of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and the UN Fish Stocks Agreement and the periodicity of reviews or audits (paragraph 17.16). In response to Japan’s observations, other Members noted the difference between CCAMLR and RFMOs (paragraph 17.17).

2009 (CCAMLR-XXVIII, paragraphs 16.2 to 16.25)

The Commission received reports on the respective discussions on the Performance Review in SCIC and the Scientific Committee (paragraphs 16.3 and 16.4) and noted that no issues relevant to the Performance Review had arisen from the deliberations of SCAF that year (paragraph 16.5). Capacity issues in the Scientific Committee received considerable attention with, among other matters relating to capacity, Norway offering funding support A$100k for a General Science Capacity Special Fund (paragraph 16.8). COLTO also pledged A$10k to the Fund (paragraph 16.12). New Zealand raised the possibility of funds forfeited under new and exploratory fisheries also be paid to the Fund (paragraph 16.14). This will be further considered at the 2010 SCAF meeting.

At CCAMLR-XXVIII several Members raised separate issues relating to the Performance Review. They included France (the implementation of conservation measures within EEZs within the Convention Area (paragraph 16.18), the EU in relation to its priority issues (paragraph 16.19), Australia in respect of CCAMLR’s role in the Antarctic Treaty System, combating IUU, and research and data acquisition (paragraph 16.20), and the People’s Republic of China in respect of equality of involvement (paragraph 16.21).