ENSURING the effective and sustainable management of krill fisheries in the Southern Ocean is one of Australia's top priorities for the 34th annual meeting of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), which continues in Hobart this week. 
Director of the Australian Antarctic Division, Dr Nick Gales, is leading Australia's delegation as Commissioner and have been joined by representatives from 23 nations and the European Union for the 10-day meeting.
Dr Gales said Australia will continue to promote the orderly and precautionary development of the krill fishery.
"Krill are a cornerstone of the Antarctic ecosystem and the staple diet of many animals, including seals, whales, fish, squid, penguins and other seabirds," Dr Gales said.
"While current harvests are well below the total allowable catch set by CCAMLR, demands on the fishery are expanding as krill is increasingly recognised as a valuable resource in medical products and supplements, and as fish meal.
"The krill management system is still under development and Australia is working closely with all CCAMLR nations to ensure larger predators can continue to rely on krill as their main food source." Dr Gales said Australia is well recognised for its expertise in krill research and management.
Ensuring the impacts of climate change are factored in to CCAMLR management decisions will also be a priority."Australia will be joined by Norway in proposing the establishment of a climate change focused group to provide information, advice and recommendations on how best to integrate climate change considerations into the work of the Commission."