CCAMLR Scheme of International Scientific Observation (SISO)

The CCAMLR Scheme of International Scientific Observation was adopted in 1992 under Article XXIV of the Convention. It is one of the most important sources of scientific information in the Antarctic marine context and is essential for assessing the impact of fishing on the ecosystem, including the status of target populations, and dependent species. The Scheme also plays a crucial role in developing approaches to reduce the impact of fishing on the ecosystem by collecting data on the effectiveness of mitigation measures.

All vessels fishing in CCAMLR fisheries are required to carry an observer for each of their fishing operations.

Observers record information on the gear configuration (including the use of measures to reduce incidental mortality of seabirds and marine mammals), fishing operations (including catch composition), biological measurements of target and by-catch species, details of fish tagging and tag-recaptures, vessel sightings and data on indicators of vulnerable marine ecosystems. These data are submitted by observers to the CCAMLR Secretariat in standardised logbook forms designed for longline, trawl (finfish and krill) and pot (crabs and finfish) fisheries.

The Secretariat has developed a Scientific Observers Manual in consultation with the Scientific Committee, its working groups and observers in the field. The manual is a comprehensive set of scientific observation guidelines and reference materials. Resources for observers, many in multiple languages) include:

Observer sampling requirements for Dissostichus spp., 

Logbook and Scientific Observer's Manual – Krill Fisheries – Version 2023, 

Scientific Observer's Manual – Finfish Fisheries – Version 2023, 

Cruise report template

Reference material including species identification guides, calculators, a fishing gear library, fish condition indicator guides