Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources

8.9.2015

Question for written answer E-012597-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Andrejs Mamikins (S&D)

The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) was established in 1982, ushering in a new era of international cooperation in regions adjacent to Antarctica, with an emphasis on conservation and the rational use of local marine living resources. Targeted fishing, a focus on sustainability and a regulatory framework are the foundation of this cooperation.

At the CCAMLR meeting on 15-16 July 2013 in Bremerhaven, Germany, a proposal was made to establish an East Antarctic Representative System of Marine Protected Areas (EARSMPA). However, the proposal was blocked by Russia and Ukraine.

1. Given that two years have passed since the aforementioned meeting (and almost a year since the CCAMLR meeting in Hobart, Australia, in October 2014), has any progress been made in the efforts to overcome the differences between the parties involved?

2. Is there any tangible possibility of establishing EARSMPA by 2020?

3. What potential concessions would the parties involved have to make (or have already made) in the negotiation process in order to stimulate a positive outcome and the establishment of EARSMPA?