Opportunities for applying spatial management approaches in the Antarctic marine space

The purpose of this paper is to enhance a dialogue within the Commission on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) and the Antarctic Treaty system (ATS), focusing on spatial management approaches to help achieve agreed-on objectives and related management instruments. The discussion covers the status of the existing area-based management framework in the marine space within the ATS, CCAMLR conservation measures and the use of marine protected areas (MPAs). The paper builds on a review of key white and grey literature and 14 interviews with experts carried out in July and August 2022.

Key messages

• The founding purpose of CCAMLR as a conservation regime with rational use of marine living resources is the basis for consensus-building among the member states. The nature of the organization should not be up for reinterpretation.
• Science has been a defining feature of successful diplomacy within the ATS. The scientific method and the knowledge generated by scientific research need to continue to underpin policy options.
• Consensus-based decision-making needs to be retained to ensure inclusiveness and robustness of the governance regime. It requires mutual forbearance, tolerable compromise and commitment to cooperation, as well as creative and patient diplomacy.
• Strengthening coordination and integration between Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings (ATCMs), the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP) and CCAMLR by applying spatial management approaches can improve land-sea integration incorporating conservation, rational use and climate change response.
• Progress on MPA proposals within a broader marine spatial management approach can turn current reputational risks of poor performance on conservation into leadership opportunities.