Some thoughts on precautionary measures for the krill fishery

The concept of precautionary measures for krill is discussed. A precautionary catch limit, based on the potential yield model developed by the CCAMLR Scientific Committee's Working Group on Krill (WG-Krill) is discussed and it is concluded that such a method is appropriate in setting an overall precautionary catch limit in large areas, such as Statistical Area 48, but the approach requires considerable refinement to provide a sufficient safeguard for land-based predators. A new approach is described which takes account of the requirements of land-based predators. Implementation of the approach is discussed and the question of how the method relates to the current CCAMLR Ecosystem Monitoring Program (CEMP) is considered.