The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) is an intergovernmental organization established by an international convention within the framework of the Antarctic Treaty System. The Commission, assisted by the Scientific Committee, is responsible for developing and implementing the necessary measures for the management and conservation of fishery resources and associated ecosystems in the Southern Ocean.
In this context, between October 6 and 17, 2025, the WG-FSA meeting was held in Hobart, Australia, where Chile presented proposals for research plans on toothfish (Dissostichus spp.) for CCAMLR statistical areas 48.2 and 48.3A. These initiatives were presented on behalf of IFOP by Dr. Carlos Montenegro Silva, Head of the Fisheries Research Division at IFOP. In addition, Dr. Roberto Licandeo participated as an advisor to this initiative.
Currently, in the Convention Area, fisheries are conducted targeting Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides), Antarctic toothfish (Dissostichus mawsoni), mackerel icefish (Champsocephalus gunnari) and Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba). The management of these fisheries is carried out under a precautionary approach, and the management objectives seek to balance conservation with the rational use of resources while preserving pre-existing ecological relationships.
The following individuals attended the 44th meetings of the Scientific Committee, SCIC (Standing Committee on Implementation and Compliance), SCAF (Standing Committee on Administration and Finance) and the Commission as part of the Chilean delegation:
- Juan Enrique Loyer. Head of the Antarctic Affairs Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Head of Delegation)
- Renato Segura. Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Francisco Lértora. National Border and Boundary Directorate (DIFROL)
- Francisco Santa Cruz. Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH)
- Lucas Kruger. Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH)
- Carlos Montenegro. Head of the Fisheries Research Division of IFOP
- Juan Francisco Santibáñez. Head of the Fisheries Development Division, Undersecretariat of Fisheries and Aquaculture
- Pablo Ortiz. SERNAPESCA
- Rear Admiral Nelson Saavedra. Director of Maritime Interests and Aquatic Environment of the General Directorate of Maritime Territory and Merchant Marine
- Valeria Carvajal. President of FIPES
- Enrique Gutiérrez. General Manager of Pescachile
During the 44th meeting of the Scientific Committee, chaired by Mr. César Cárdenas of INACH, the results of research activities from national scientific programs of CCAMLR Members were analyzed. Additionally, updates were provided on programs aimed at collecting the data necessary for the effective management of the Southern Ocean, including elements such as fishery monitoring, scientific observers on board fishing vessels, and ecosystem and marine debris monitoring programs.
Furthermore, reports were presented on the intersessional work of the Committee’s five working groups, which are:
Ecosystem Monitoring and Management Working Group (WG-EMM), Fish Stock Assessment Working Group (WG-FSA), Statistics, Assessments and Modelling Working Group (WG-SAM), Incidental Mortality Associated with Fishing Working Group (WG-IMAF) and Acoustics Survey and Analysis Methods Working Group (WG-ASAM).
Finally, one of the most noteworthy aspects of the Chilean delegation’s participation in the 44th CCAMLR meetings was the representation of all sectors involved in the topics under discussion, with strong participation from government institutions, industries with fishing interests in the Southern Ocean, and interaction with international organizations such as FAO, IUCN, IWC, ASOC, COLTO, ARK, SCAR, among others.
