The policing of biomarine resources in the Southern Ocean

• Main Author: Ash, John Stewart
• Format: Master Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: University of Cambridge 1994
• Subjects: Antarctic; Southern Ocean; The Antarctic; Antarc*
• Online Access: https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/266766; https://doi.org/10.17863/CAM.12837

The Southern Ocean constitutes some 22 % of the world ocean, and has some of the worst climatic conditions on the planet. Historically, marine biota have been one of the most important benefits derived from the Antarctic. The history of living resource utilisation in the region is a record of pillage, with market forces as the only constraint. Recently, this has changed, with the emergence of international agreements and public demand for conservation. The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) is unique both in the ecosystem approach it takes to the management of the fisheries and living resources, and in the lineage of the Antarctic Treaty System from which it stems. Despite its endeavours within the purview of treaty law, its greatest powers may derive from the coincidence of the richest fishing grounds and the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) surrounding the peri-Antarctic islands possessed by member states. Despite the range of approaches available to address the problems of biomarine resource policing, no single approach emerges as a complete and cheap solution. The most promising surveillance technique is satellite remote sensing, utilising synthetic aperture radar. At present, the most economical existing technology for surveillance around the peri-Antarctic islands is light aircraft, and on the high seas, onboard inspectors representing CCAMLR interests. The most economical patrol vessels are likely to be those purchased outright as working vessels, and converted to government use.