Activities in the Convention Area are regulated through an ecosystem-based approach and a precautionary approach. The Commission adopts conservation measures to regulate activities in accordance with CAMLR Convention Article IX, including on catch limits, gear and other operational issues. 

It also implements spatial management. The Commission has divided the Convention Area into a number of smaller areas, each with specific management requirements. Some areas are closed to certain types of fishing activity. For example Subareas 48.1 and 48.2 are closed to fishing for fish but fishing for krill is permitted. Some are open to fishing but are subject to the requirements of conservation measures, including, but not limited to, when fishing can take place, seasonal catch limits, the data that need to be collected, restrictions on fish by-catch, and requirements for by-catch mitigation measures. 

In addition to this general approach to spatially define management measures, CCAMLR has implemented two specific approaches to afford spatial protection to marine ecosystems through the definition of Marine Protected Areas and Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems.